GSOA Welcomes New European Commissioners-Designate And Highlights The Importance Of Critical New Portfolios For The Satellite  Industry

18 September 2024

GSOA extends its heartfelt congratulations to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on her reappointment and her proposal on new EU Commissioners. We especially want to highlight the significance of two portfolios which will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the satellite industry.

Andrius Kubilius, from Lithuania, as Commissioner-designate to hold the Defense & Space portfolio, will have a unique opportunity to elevate the importance of space and satellite technologies within the European framework. The EU Space Program needs continuous support and incentives, whether for Galileo, Copernicus and IRIS² or for the GovSatcom program as satellite is crucial for enhancing EU navigation, Earth observation, security & resilience and data accessibility within Europe and abroad. The Commissioner’s leadership can also foster greater collaboration between the different sectors, as well as emphasizing the essential role satellite systems play in addressing global challenges, enhancing connectivity, driving innovation in the space industry and facilitating the integration of satellite technologies into Europe’s strategic objectives.

The overarching portfolio of Henna Virkkunen, from Finland, designated as the Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, represents a groundbreaking linkage between the Digital Agenda and geopolitical priorities, a vital intersection that will ensure technological advancements align with Europe’s goals. This mandate to drive the Commission’s digitalization strategy, known as the Digital Decade, will be crucial in promoting innovation in artificial intelligence and frontier technologies, further strengthening Europe’s competitive edge in the global tech landscape.

“We are pleased to see the European Commission taking these directions and look forward to Andrius Kubilius and Henna Virkkunen take on these new critical functions. Their candidacies already represent a significant opportunity for the satellite and space industry,” said Isabelle Mauro, Director General of GSOA. “We look forward to collaborating with the full College of Commissioners to enhance Europe’s strategic capabilities in Space and Technology. Together, we can drive innovation, address the challenges of connectivity, and ensure that satellite communications play a vital role in European economic resilience.”