AIR Centre joins debate on EU Space Regulation Proposal

The AIR Centre, together with other national space stakeholders, participated today in a public debate on the European Commission’s new Space Regulation proposal, contributing feedback from Portugal’s space industry on its anticipated impacts.

The debate was hosted by the Portuguese Space Agency, with its President, Ricardo Conde, delivering the opening session.

The comprehensive proposal—comprising 119 articles and 10 technical annexes—seeks to create “a single market for space activities” across the EU. By harmonizing space activities while ensuring safety, resilience, and environmental sustainability, the framework aims to make it easier for companies, particularly startups and SMEs, to grow and operate across borders by replacing 13 different national approaches with unified EU standards.

It also grants the European Commission authority to adopt around 11 implementing acts and more than 15 delegated acts covering:

• Debris mitigation measures
• Mission lifecycle risk analysis
• Launch collision avoidance methods
• In-space operations and services

Ultimately, the regulation is designed to cut red tape, protect space assets, and create a predictable framework for both established companies and emerging ventures across Europe, with this discussion representing Portugal’s contribution to shaping the legislation.