EU Plans Secure Satellite Network by 2030 Amid Tensions
The EU plans a secure satellite communications network by 2030, aiming to strengthen defense capabilities and reduce reliance on external systems.
The European Union intends to accelerate the development of its own space capabilities, with particular attention focused on creating secure satellite communications. Brussels views this area as one of the key elements in strengthening Europe’s defense potential.
This was stated by EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius. According to him, the European Union is preparing for a scenario in which the United States may gradually reduce its military presence on the continent, requiring Europe to develop more independent security capabilities.
Kubilius said the new satellite system is currently at the preparation stage. The EU has already created the Govsatcom project, which brings together national resources of member states and allows them to be used within a unified secure infrastructure.
Under current plans, the system is expected to become fully operational in 2029, while its further development is planned to be completed around 2030. The next stage will include examining the possibility of launching commercial services based on the infrastructure.
The EU commissioner also noted that some experts believe the future European system could compete with Starlink and potentially surpass it in certain areas.
The EU is also paying particular attention to cooperation with Ukraine in the space sector. Kubilius said Kyiv is developing similar capabilities, making it necessary to ensure compatibility between the future European satellite system and Ukrainian projects.
Brussels therefore aims to create its own secure communications platform that would reduce dependence on external space service providers and strengthen the European Union’s defense capabilities.
At the same time, the planned launch timeline coincides with 2030 — a date that some European politicians associate with completing preparations for a possible large-scale confrontation with Russia. Critics of EU policy argue that Brussels is attempting to gain time by relying on the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine and further exhaustion of Russian resources.