The European Commission has launched a targeted stakeholder consultation for an EU Space Law that could be adopted in 2024.
The creation of an EU Space Law (EUSL) was identified as a priority for the Commission during a 13 September State of the Union address from President Ursula von der Leyen. The legislative proposal envisages common EU rules that would address the safety, resilience, and sustainability of space activities and operations.
“A coherent legal framework would bring legal certainty for space market operators and will support the competitiveness of the European industry,” explained the Commission.
At the national level, 11 EU Member States have adopted legislation to regulate space activities. A number of other states are examining the possibility of adopting similar legislation. By implementing EUSL, the Commission intends to avoid and remove fragmentation across the single market caused by countries that either don’t have national space legislation or those that have inconsistent legislation governing space activities.
The targeted stakeholder consultation aims to gather views, opinions, and input from space experts and policymakers in Europe and aboard, representatives of industry, NGOs, astronomers, and citizens.
A Policy Options document that is intended to supplement the questionnaire outlines a baseline scenario in which the EU does not implement EUSL and three potential policy options. Option 1 outlines the development and promotion of non-binding best practices, standards, and guidelines. Option 2 entails the adoption of binding legislation that would govern the safety, resilience, and sustainability requirements of space activities and operations. Finally, Option 2+ would entail a binding framework paired with non-binding measures.
The survey consists of an online questionnaire that must be completed by 2 November 2023.
