Enhancing Space Cooperation in the EU: The Event on the Future of European Space Cooperation
On 28 November, the event ‘Enhancing Space Cooperation in the EU’ was held at the Residence Palace in Brussels. This initiative was dedicated to strengthening cooperation in the European space sector, with a focus on the synergies between European, national institutions and industry, and the role of Italy.
Organised by the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union, the event was attended by experts in the sector, institutional, academic and industrial representatives, and was also an opportunity to celebrate the Italian National Space Day.
After the introduction by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Stefano Verrecchia, the Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, opened the proceedings, underlining the importance of the space sector for the economic growth, technological autonomy and competitiveness of Italy and Europe.
A dialogue between Italian and European perspectives
The first part of the conference was devoted to the Italian perspective, with speeches by: Luigi Riggio, from the Office of the Military Advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office; Antonio Bartoloni, Aerospace Policies Office of the Prime Minister’s Office; Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI); and Massimo Comparini, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Space Division.
The second part focused on the European perspective, with contributions from Timo Pesonen, Director General of the European Commission’s DG Defence Industry and Space; Simonetta Cheli, Director of ESA’s Earth Observation programmes; Matija Rencelj, ESPI Research Manager; and Samantha Cristoforetti, ESA astronaut.
Salvatore Pignataro, Space Expert at the Permanent Representation, and Annalisa Dominoni and Benedetto Quaquaro, from the Design Department of the Politecnico di Milano, contributed with their insights on exhibitions and innovation in space design.
Conclusions and Perspectives
Permanent Representative and Ambassador Vincenzo Celeste closed the proceedings by emphasizing the strategic role of space for innovation, security and European competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of a cohesive vision between the EU, ESA and Member States, a harmonized regulatory framework and funding adequate to European ambitions. Italy, with its industrial and technological excellence, is confirmed as a key player in the development of a competitive and sustainable space ecosystem.
Exhibitions and Networking
The event was enriched by the multimedia exhibitions ‘Italian Space Design’, ‘Looking Beyond’ and ‘From the Moon to Mars’, which celebrated Italy’s contribution to space innovation. The event ended with a cocktail and buffet, offering a further opportunity for dialogue and discussion.
