EU’s satellite systems constitute the backbone of Union’s defence, must enable operations across vast distances via secure and reliable links, Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on Thursday at GOVSATCOM conference in Luxembourg. He called for more integration in defence within the EU which should be supported by the Action Plan for European Space Shield.
“Two days ago, I travelled to Ukraine to commemorate the 4th anniversary of Russia’s brutal war (…) And I heard how the Russian invasion in 2022 started: by attack on Ukrainian connectivity, including commercial satellites.” With this emotional reminder began Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius his opening address at the conference organized by the European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) programme.
Alpha and omega of modern warfare
Commissioner Kubilius devoted most of his speech to the need to strengthen and secure European communications links at a time when geopolitical changes are bringing unprecedented challenges. “In a more and more digital society, connectivity is a vital, strategic resource,” Mr Kubilius stressed. “Together, as the EU, we have the capabilities to become giants in space. We must defend ourselves together, deter together, and, if needed, also fight together,” Commissioner said.
Together, as the EU, we have the capabilities to become giants in space. We must defend ourselves together, deter together, and, if needed, also fight together. – Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
He also recalled that more and more European leaders are calling for Europe’s defence independence. “This not to duplicate NATO. This is to make NATO and Europe stronger,” Mr Kubilius said adding that also opinion polls show growing emphasis among the population on the need for strong defense.
Europe needs strategic autonomy
Without directly naming the United States, Commissioner mentioned the need for Europe’s strategic autonomy in the context of the deteriorating international situation. “We are building a pan-European satellite network,” Mr Kubilius said. He mentioned that secure satellite connections are important also for surveillance. “We must protect our borders, counter trafficking, monitor suspicious ships, and more,” Commissioner stressed.
Mr Kubilius mentioned the importance of the Action Plan for European Space Shield to be launched soon. We will carefully coordinate it with member states (…) the Shield will include integration of space-based services into defence,” Commissioner said.
Safety as number one priority
The European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) programme is a component of European Union Space Programme (along with Galileo, Copernicus, and other systems and projects). GOVSATCOM ensures the long-term availability of reliable, secure and cost-effective governmental satellite communications services for EU and national public authorities managing security critical missions and infrastructures.
Due to significant changes in the political and security environment, the origin, nature and severity of threats to which the EU is exposed, both within its territory and beyond its borders, GOVSATCOM has considerably evolved over these last years.
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GOVSATCOM intends to provide an appropriate level of European non-dependence in terms of technologies, assets, operations and services. It also provides support to several EU policies, but before all, it aims at strengthening the EU capacity to protect its citizens.
