modern space — modern space — Europe needs a modern regulatory framework for space that inspires confidence among operators, investors and citizens, according to Deputy Research Minister Nikodemos Damianou. Speaking at the opening of the high-level EU Space Days 2026 conference in Nicosia, he emphasised the critical role space plays in Europe’s competitiveness, security, resilience, and strategic autonomy.
Bringing together key players from the European Commission, the European Space Agency, and various industry leaders, the conference aimed to discuss the future of Europe’s space policy and industrial strategy. Damianou highlighted that the space sector has evolved from mere scientific exploration to a significant part of Europe’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
“Space is at the heart of everything that matters for Europe: competitiveness, security, resilience and strategic autonomy,” he stated, underscoring its importance as critical infrastructure that supports navigation, telecommunications, disaster response, and financial systems across the continent.
The deputy minister noted that the global space economy has already surpassed €500 billion and is projected to exceed €1.5 trillion within the next decade. He stressed the urgency for Europe to enhance its technological sovereignty and establish a genuine single market for space to keep pace with global competitors.
“Let’s face it, others are moving much faster,” Damianou remarked, acknowledging the need for Europe to not only foster innovation but also effectively translate it into industrial and strategic strength.
During his address, Damianou outlined the priorities of the Cypriot presidency, which include advancing the proposed EU Space Act and shaping the future space pillar of the European Competitiveness Fund for the upcoming 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework. He asserted, “Europe’s ambitions in space require not only clarity, but also the financial, industrial and technological capacity to deliver.”
Javier Benedicto Ruiz, ESA navigation director, echoed these sentiments, stating that space has transitioned from a domain of exploration to a “critical arena of competition, opportunity and vulnerability.” He cautioned that Europe’s autonomy increasingly hinges on the resilience and security of its space capabilities.
Rodrigo da Costa, executive director of EUSPA, added that resilient supply chains and stronger technological sovereignty will be crucial for Europe’s competitiveness post-2028. He stressed the importance of establishing robust frameworks to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of space innovation.
Additionally, Damianou presented Cyprus as an emerging regional hub for advanced technologies and space services, highlighting its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. “Our country hosts connectivity gateways and satellite ground stations for leading European providers, as well as four operational satellites making use of Cypriot assets,” he noted.
He also mentioned that Cyprus is developing an optical gateway linked to Europe’s secure connectivity systems and quantum communications infrastructure. The country plays a key role in the Galileo search-and-rescue network, which is used to detect distress signals, with future EGNOS monitoring stations planned by EUSPA.
“These are not symbolic projects,” he stated. “They are strategic capabilities that directly strengthen resilience, connectivity, security, and protection in our wider region.”
