The Riigikogu supports uniform regulation of space activities in the European Union
At its today's sitting, the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) approved the positions on an initiative aimed at supporting an independent internal market for space activities in the European Union.
Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali noted that currently there was no common regulation of space activities in the European Union, and therefore Member States operated separately. “Space-related activities are growing everywhere in the world, as there is an increasing need for space-based data and services,” Tali said. “In order to improve the competitiveness of the European space sector, it is important to agree on common rules. A common regulatory framework will make it possible for Member States to cooperate effectively, and this could create new opportunities for Estonian providers of cybersecurity and digital solutions.”
According to the approved positions, Estonia supports the objectives of the EU Space Act to create a common and coherent legal framework that strengthens the competitiveness of the European space sector and ensures safe, resilient, and sustainable space operations. Estonia also supports the European Union’s ambition to strengthen international cooperation and diplomacy in the space sector.
It is noted in the explanatory memorandum that the initiative is the first comprehensive package of space sector measures at the EU level. The initiative provides for the harmonisation of space activity requirements across the EU and the establishment of common authorisation procedures, creating a clearer legal environment for companies operating in the field of space services and products, regardless of their country of origin.
In Estonia, there are approximately 150 companies operating in the space sector. Over 60 Estonian companies and research institutions have participated in the European Space Agency (ESA) tenders, and according to estimations, the EU Space Act currently affects 10–15 economic entities in Estonia, including satellite technology developers, creators of remote sensing applications, software developers, cybersecurity companies, and research and educational institutions.
The Government’s positions on the EU Space Act and the Communication on the Vision for the European Space Economy were presented at the sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee by Minister of Economy and Industry Erkki Keldo. The European Union Affairs Committee decided to approve the Government’s positions in line with the opinion of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]
