EU Defense Commissioner: Fully committed to advancing independent satellite communications, will soon launch the "European Space Shield" program

On February 26 in local time, Andrius Kubilius, the European Union Commissioner for Defense and Space Affairs, said in Luxembourg while attending the EU government satellite communications conference that the EU is doing its utmost to advance autonomous satellite communications and will launch the “European Space Shield” program to achieve space defense readiness as early as possible. Andrius Kubilius said: “Satellite communications are already decisive today, but in the near future, they will take center stage in civilian security and modern warfare. In the interconnected battlefields of the future, the internet revolution, the artificial intelligence revolution, and the space revolution converge here, and satellite communications are at the core. In an increasingly digital society, interoperability is a critically important strategic resource. For mission- and security-critical applications, we need strong and reliable connectivity that can operate stably anytime and anywhere. In a world where the geopolitical landscape is undergoing major changes, we are seeking strategic autonomy. And satellite connectivity is an essential element to achieve that goal. Time is of the essence—whether in terms of development speed or scale of capacity, Europe must not be outpaced. More and more European leaders are calling on Europe to achieve defense independence and assume the corresponding defense responsibilities. We will soon present a ‘European Space Shield’ action plan, aimed at using space to prepare for defense. I support delivering this plan next year, i.e., in 2027. The ‘European Space Shield’ will be defined and carefully coordinated together with the member states. The EU’s role is to support and complement each country’s defense capabilities, not to replace them. Through cooperation, we will reduce redundancies, lower costs, and ensure interoperability. The ‘European Space Shield’ will establish a coordinated framework and provide additional value for EU defense.” (Jiemian News)