SPEAKER INTERVIEW
Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, Chief Policy, Legal & Government Relations Officer, Exolaunch
Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, Chief Policy, Legal & Government Relations Officer at Exolaunch discusses the subject of a Space Law for the European block.
Why do we need a European statute?
We don’t necessarily need an EU Space Law simply for the sake of having one. What we do need is greater certainty and predictability for the European space industry. Legislation, including a potential EU Space Law, should address specific challenges rather than serve as a goal in itself. It also has to be balanced, so it guides space actors without adding regulatory burden.
Currently, there are significant differences among EU member states in how space activities are regulated––what should be governed, to what extent, and in what way. For instance, some countries with robust space programmes lack a dedicated regulatory framework, while others with minimal space activities have comprehensive laws in place.
The need for an overarching framework should be driven by its practical benefits, addressing inconsistencies and fostering collaboration. Particularly, it has to address essential points such as the authorization regime and the protection of assets, both physical and cyber. It must also consider the impact on the global competitiveness of the European space actors.
What has been the impact of a fragmented approach taken in existing national regulation across the member state bloc so far?
Each country operates as a sovereign and autonomous actor in the space domain, with varying scopes of activity and domestic capabilities. The heterogeneity and fragmentation has created challenges in understanding the differing requirements of various jurisdictions, especially as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve. It also generates discrepancies as it drives some space operators to choose the country with the lower expectations when establishing and conducting their activities.
Since most space projects involve transnational collaboration, greater alignment––particularly in key areas like authorization processes and registration practices––would significantly benefit the execution of international projects. A more unified approach could reduce friction and increase efficiency across borders.
How do you foresee this legislation aligning with existing domestic regulatory frameworks, and national laws aligning with the European law?
As the legislation is still being developed and remains in the proposal stage, it is difficult to make definitive predictions. However, aligning national laws with a European framework will undoubtedly be a complex process. Transition mechanisms will be critical to ensuring a smooth adoption period and avoiding disruption. These aspects will require meticulous planning and careful execution.
From your perspective, given your solid background in law, what should the new legislation include to ensure Europe has a common and reliable framework?
Space is a cornerstone of Europe’s global positioning and economic strength. If Europe decides to move forward with a unified EU space framework, the legislation should prioritize elements that strengthen the space economy and competitiveness. This includes fostering innovation, enabling collaboration, and reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining high standards for safety and sustainability. With the increasing cybersecurity threats, the agreement on the minimum protective measures is essential, both within the supply chain and across the entire space infrastructure of space operators.
And finally, what are your main expectations for this new legislation?
As a lawyer, I prefer to focus less on expectations and more on ensuring meaningful participation in the process. I believe that any legislative effort must include active engagement from all relevant stakeholders––those directly impacted by the regulation. It should also be developed by experts with both deep legal knowledge and practical experience in the space industry.
Key questions to consider include whether the legislation addresses the right areas, strikes the appropriate balance to avoid overregulation while fostering competitiveness, ensures a well-managed transition period to minimize disruption, and integrates effectively with existing national laws across the EU.
Ultimately, I hope this process will be pragmatic, purpose-driven, and aimed at enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in the global space arena offering a well-structured transition period for smooth adaptation.
