EU Space Days

by Yelyzaveta Leshchenko (Polish Space Professionals Association)

Held on 27–28 May at the AmberExpo Centre in Gdańsk, the EU Space Days 2025 brought together key players from across the European space ecosystem. Organized by the European Commission in collaboration with the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), the event provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the future of EU space policy, industrial competitiveness and strategic innovation.

This year was especially important because it was the 50th anniversary of the European Space Agency (ESA). This  anniversary provided a historical context for the discussions, highlighting past achievements and future ambitions, being a milestone in space exploration, research, and infrastructure development. 

Throughout the two-day programme, participants addressed a wide range of topics shaping the next chapter of European space strategy. A key point was the progress and future direction of the EU’s flagship space programmes, including Galileo and EGNOS (satellite navigation), Copernicus (Earth observation), GOVSATCOM/IRIS² (secure communications), and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Representatives from the European institutions alongside industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors discussed the operational maturity of these programmes and their growing value for Member States, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty and environmental challenges.

A unique aspect of this year’s event was its co-location with InfoShare, the largest tech and startup conference in Central and Eastern Europe. This connection opened new pathways for dialogue between the space sector and the broader innovation ecosystem. Startups, venture capitalists, and technology entrepreneurs were invited to explore how their products, services, and ideas could intersect with space, through data applications, cybersecurity, Earth analytics, AI, or advanced materials. 

The event also addressed the human and societal dimension of space policy. A dedicated session was held for DIVERIS, the European Commission’s Diversity and Inclusion network for the defence and space industries. The initiative promotes equal opportunities, inclusive recruitment, and a workplace environment that supports participation across all backgrounds and profiles. In partnership with organizations across Europe, DIVERIS seeks to create a more accessible, equitable, and representative space sector.