Comparative analysis of ESA member states space and security governance and strategy in the frame of European integration

The European Space Agency (ESA) has twenty-two Member States with a variety of governance structures and strategic priorities regarding their space activities. The objective of this paper is to provide an up-to date overview and a holistic assessment of the national space governance structures and strategic priorities of the selected Member States with regards to space and security. A link is made between the governance structure and the main strategic objectives. European Space Integration in general and space and security activities are addressed in the frame of the European security and defence integration. The first part of the paper focuses on the national space governance structures in selected ESA Member States. The governance models of these Member States are identified including the responsible ministries and the entities entrusted with the implementation of space and security policies and programmes of the country. The second part of this paper focuses on the content and analysis of the national defence and national security strategies and space and security strategies and indicates the main priorities and trends. In a third and final part, attention is given to the development of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy and the role of space therein, with specifics attention to safety, security and sustainability of space activities.