On February 18, CCIA, in partnership with NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce and the State Department’s Office of Space Affairs Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) hosted an off the record conversation focused on the European Union’s Space Act. The discussion served as an overview of how the technology sector has approached the EU policy landscape.
The session opened with introductory remarks from Mike Overby, Deputy Director for Space Affairs OES, who highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. State Department, the European Commission, and the American space industry. This set the stage for a panel moderated by Karina Perez, Director of CCIA’s Space & Spectrum Center, featuring:
- Jonathan McHale, VP of Digital Trade, CCIA
- Gabriel Swiney, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and International Division, NOAA Office of Space Commerce
- Caitlin C. Poling, Foreign Affairs Officer – Europe Lead, U.S. Department of State
Panelists explored how current trends in EU tech policy are now being mirrored in the proposed EU Space Act. The discussion drew on practical lessons learned by the broader technology sector in navigating the EU’s complex legislative process.
Key strategic themes included:
- Engagement Tactics: The importance of early, transparent dialogue between U.S. industry leaders and EU regulators to ensure technical standards remain workable.
- Anticipating Regulatory Trends: How policy trends, like those seen in AI and data privacy, are now present in space policy.
- Strategic Alignment: Identifying areas where U.S. and EU interests overlap to prevent market fragmentation and ensure the sustainable growth of the global space sector.
CCIA remains committed to active engagement on the EU Space Act, leveraging the expertise gained from years of navigating complex technology policy. CCIA will continue to advocate for a legislative framework that fosters innovation and ensures a competitive, interoperable global space economy.
