European Parliamentarians deepen engagement on space policy at EISC Spring Workshop in Sevilla

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

European policymakers have reaffirmed growing political interest in space governance and strategy following discussions at the European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC) spring workshop held in Sevilla under the 2026 Spanish Presidency.

The workshop, co-organised with support from the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), brought together parliamentarians and policy stakeholders to examine Europe’s evolving role in the global space sector amid rising geopolitical, economic, and technological pressures.

Discussions highlighted increasing awareness among elected representatives of the strategic importance of space, particularly as new investments, security concerns, and rapid innovation continue to reshape the sector.

Key policy questions explored during the sessions included how Europe can sustain its expanding ambitions in space, strengthen its strategic positioning globally, and ensure alignment between political objectives and industry capabilities.

Participants also examined the implications of growing security and defence considerations on space decision-making, as well as the need to keep pace with accelerating advancements driven by both public and private actors worldwide.

The workshop featured contributions from policy experts and institutional representatives, with emphasis placed on the importance of integrating space more closely into high-level policymaking processes across Europe.

As part of the programme, delegates visited key national infrastructure, including the headquarters of the Spanish Space Agency and the Morón Air Base, which hosts advanced surveillance radar systems.

Organisers noted that the engagement reflects a broader effort to strengthen parliamentary involvement in shaping Europe’s space agenda and to ensure informed decision-making in an increasingly complex and competitive global environment.