The European Commission has proposed creating a new permanent EU agency called the European Union Space Services Agency (keeping the same acronym, EUSPA), based in Prague. Here's what the proposal is about in plain language:

Why this is happening

The current agency was set up under a law tied to the EU's 7-year budget cycle (2021–2027). When that budget period ends, parts of that law will expire, which could disrupt the agency's work. This proposal gives the agency its own permanent legal basis so it can operate continuously, no matter what happens with future budgets.

What the agency does

The agency has three main jobs:

1. Security checks — certifying that EU space systems meet security standards
2. Running space services — managing systems like Galileo (navigation/GPS), EGNOS (aviation navigation), and GOVSATCOM (secure satellite communications for governments)
3. Growing the market — helping businesses and citizens use EU space data and services

New and expanded responsibilities

Beyond its current work, the agency will gradually take on more tasks, including managing parts of the new IRIS2 satellite internet system, monitoring space weather, tracking space debris, supporting cybersecurity, and helping with Europe's commercial space sector.

The money

The agency received €525.7 million for 2021–2027. For the next budget period (2028–2034), the proposal allocates €979.6 million — nearly double. Staff would grow from around 391 people in 2028 to 522 by 2034.

Governance changes

The agency's leadership structure stays mostly the same (a governing board, executive director, and security board), but a deputy director position is being added, and the rules around voting and crisis management are being clarified.

When it kicks in

The new regulation would take effect on 1 January 2028, ensuring a smooth transition from the current setup.

Broader context

This proposal is part of a much bigger push by the EU to become less dependent on the United States and other outside powers when it comes to space. Right now, most people around the world — including in Europe — rely on American GPS for navigation. The EU has been building its own alternative, Galileo, for years, and this agency is the organisation that runs it.

One of the core motivations behind strengthening the agency is reducing Europe's reliance on American GPS infrastructure. The EU wants to make sure that if political or technical problems ever disrupted access to US systems, Europe could keep its satellites and services running independently.

The proposal also ties into a broader plan called the EU Space Act, which would give Brussels regulatory authority over space service providers operating in European markets — including companies from outside the EU in certain circumstances. In other words, the EU is starting to regulate space the same way it regulates other industries like finance or telecommunications.

The IRIS2 project — a new constellation of around 300 satellites — is designed to provide secure internet connectivity for governments, critical infrastructure, businesses, and citizens, including in underserved regions. It's the EU's answer to commercial satellite internet services like SpaceX's Starlink.

There's also a defence dimension: European spending on space has risen sharply, with the European Space Agency receiving its largest-ever budget in late 2025 — about €22.3 billion, a 31% increase — and the European Commission allocating €50 million to a space project under the European Defence Fund in 2026.

Impact on people living in the EU

Most of the agency's work happens quietly in the background, but it touches everyday life in several ways.

Navigation: Galileo and EGNOS provide highly accurate positioning and timing services. When you use navigation on your phone, check your flight's landing precision, or use a bank that relies on network timing — there's a good chance EU space infrastructure is involved, even if you don't notice it.

Internet access: IRIS2 is intended to bring broadband access to underserved regions, which could benefit people in rural parts of Europe who currently have poor internet connections.

Safety in daily life: Space Situational Awareness — which the agency oversees — monitors space debris and space weather (like solar storms) that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications. Better management of these risks means fewer outages in services people depend on.

Security: The agency handles encrypted satellite communications for governments, border agencies, and emergency services. This affects how quickly and securely authorities can respond to crises, natural disasters, or security incidents.

Impact on people outside the EU

EGNOS services are being extended beyond EU borders, meaning neighbouring countries — including those in Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East — can benefit from improved navigation accuracy, particularly for aviation safety.

IRIS2 is also planned to cover areas of strategic interest to the EU such as the Arctic and Africa, potentially bringing satellite internet to regions with limited connectivity, well beyond EU territory.