Decoding the news. The central issue on the table at the international meeting in Frascati, just south of Rome, will be the need for Europe to reinforce its strategic autonomy in critical sectors such as defence, space and cybersecurity, against a geopolitical backdrop shaped by pressure from autocracies and the spread of hybrid warfare.
- The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for CM25 by consolidating key programmes – from Space Safety to Earth Observation – designed to strengthen Europe’s complete autonomy in space.
- In parallel, Brussels and the member states are working toward deeper integration of security, defence and industrial innovation policies.
- Days like this one – with European air forces on alert to protect Poland against Russian drones launched into Ukraine – illustrate the urgency for the Union to step up its investments and its defence awareness.
The context. Since the post-war period, the European Union has faced unparalleled challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. A front of autocracies seeks to weaken liberal democracies, including through hybrid warfare. For this reason, Europe must bolster its strategic autonomy in space, cyber, and defence while remaining firmly anchored within the Atlantic Alliance.
- Acting at the European level in these domains — as shown by projects such as Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus — delivers extraordinary added value in terms of innovation, industrial competitiveness, economies of scale and spending efficiency, as well as for citizens’ security and the protection of critical infrastructure.
- The venue: Esrin–ESA in Frascati, a centre of excellence hosting the hub for Earth Observation programmes.
- The timing: the 50th anniversary of the ESA Convention and preparations for the November Ministerial Council, regarded as a milestone in Europe’s space strategy.
Keynote speeches. The participation of top leaders from Italy and the EU underscores the institutional weight of the gathering. The opening session will feature:
- Antonio Tajani (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs)
- Andrius Kubilius (European Commissioner for Defence and Space)
- Josef Aschbacher (Director-General, ESA)
- Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament, will continue the proceedings
Key sessions:
- Space – opened by Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
- European Defence – with Matteo Perego di Cremnago (Italian Undersecretary of Defence), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone (NATO, Chair of the Military Committee) and General Antonio Conserva (Italian Air Force).
- Cybersecurity – Matteo Piantedosi (Minister of the Interior) opened the afternoon session. Speakers include:
- Hans de Vries (ENISA)
- Bruno Frattasi (Italian National Cybersecurity Agency)
- Vittorio Rizzi (Department of Security Information – DIS)
What’s next. The ESA Ministerial Council CM25 in November will be the critical test for charting the future trajectory of European space policy, shaping decisions on budgets, flagship programmes, and industrial cooperation.
