Perspectives Spatiales 2026: Sovereignty and competitiveness play key role in European space sector’s new era

The 14th edition of Perspectives Spatiales (“Space Perspectives”), co-organised by GIFAS and Novaspace, brought together all the institutional, industrial and academic stakeholders in the sector on 18 March 2026 to discuss a central theme: “Dimensions of French space strategy in the new era for European space.”

Against a backdrop of increased competition and shifting global balances, the discussions highlighted a shared observation that is no longer in doubt: space has become a major strategic issue of sovereignty, calling for strong decisions and collective mobilisation at the European level.

In his opening remarks, Hervé Derrey, Chair of the GIFAS Space Commission, emphasised that the sector is at a turning point, marked by intensifying international competition and shifting alliances. “Space is now at the heart of major strategic dimensions and constitutes an essential lever of sovereignty,” he insisted, calling for a Europe that is “united, ambitious and competitive.”

The year 2026 promises to be decisive in this regard, both for the implementation of the space component of the French multiyear defence spending law (LPM) and for the ramp-up of the industrial sector.

Throughout the day, one point stood out. The success of the French and European space strategy depends directly on the strength of its industry. Two key words: sovereignty and competitiveness.

During the round table discussion on structuring the sector around European champions, Hervé Derrey reiterated that “our future and our success are intrinsically dependent on the supply chain.”

Three critical challenges were identified:

• competitiveness, which requires accelerating standardisation and developing production approaches on an industrial scale;

• sovereignty, with a particular focus on European supply chains, especially regarding critical resources;

• the location of industrial capabilities, an essential lever for ensuring the security of the entire value chain.

Discussions also highlighted the sector’s spectacular acceleration since 2020, with a threefold increase in the number of satellites launched and in private investment, a sign of an unprecedented shift in scale.

Representatives of European institutions reiterated the central role of cooperation between agencies and industry in maintaining European leadership in strategic fields such as Earth observation, navigation and secure connectivity.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of interoperability and cooperation between Member States at the European level.

The round table on national space strategy confirmed France’s desire to strengthen its international presence through an ambitious industrial policy.

Lionel Suchet, Deputy CEO of the French space agency (CNES), reiterated the need to stimulate demand for space services in order to encourage the emergence of new markets and support business growth.

The government’s priorities in the space sector were outlined by the Secretariat General for National Defence and Security (SGDSN) and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs around four key areas:

1. Ensuring sovereign access to space,

2. Strengthening the resilience of space infrastructure,

3. Improving surveillance capabilities,

4. Restoring industrial competitiveness based on series production and services.

Frédéric Parisot, Managing Director of GIFAS, noted that civil-military duality is a major asset for the sector as “it enables the retention of key skills and accelerates innovation.” He also emphasised the need to work collectively on shared technology roadmaps, drawing inspiration from existing practices in civil aviation.

Arianespace CEO David Cavaillolès illustrated the industrial challenges facing Europe against a backdrop of “fierce” global competition. The success of Ariane 6 demonstrates Europe’s ability to mobilise, but also highlights the need to go one step further.

Several conditions appear essential:

• Establishing a genuine European internal market,

• Affirming European preference for critical and strategic infrastructure,

• Strengthening trust between public and private stakeholders.

Discussions on innovation highlighted the rapid transformation of the European space ecosystem. Whilst private funding remains robust, growth funding remains a key challenge in enabling companies to scale up to industrial levels.

In this context, the role of institutions remains pivotal, whether in reducing technological risks, supporting innovative projects or sending a signal of confidence to investors.

All speakers agreed on one point: in the face of increasingly fierce global competition, a European scale is essential.

Discussions on space-based defence confirmed the sector’s growing strategic importance. The operationalisation of space must be underpinned by enhanced cooperation between the armed forces and industry, as well as by the acceleration of projects.

This 14th edition of Perspectives Spatiales confirms a conviction now firmly established within the sector. Space is establishing itself as a major lever for sovereignty and resilience. In a more uncertain and competitive environment, it is no longer simply a matter of innovating, but of scaling up, by strengthening industrial capabilities and ensuring supply chain security.

In this context, a European scale is essential for success. Enhanced cooperation, shared priorities and better coordination of efforts appear indispensable to ensure Europe’s long-term place in global competition.

By bringing together clients, equipment manufacturers, SMEs, mid-cap companies, start-ups and public institutions, GIFAS, alongside Novaspace, is fulfilling its role as a facilitator in the space sector. This 2026 edition of Perspectives Spatiales has helped to identify common priorities and pinpoint the keys to success for the French and European space sectors in a rapidly evolving international context. 

GIFAS looks forward to seeing you in 2027 for the 15th edition of Perspectives Spatiales!