OBSERVER: Six reasons not to miss EU Space Days 2025 in Gdańsk
OBSERVER: Six reasons not to miss EU Space Days 2025 in Gdańsk
evan
Thu, 03/04/2025 – 16:21
EU Space Days 2025 lands in the Polish coastal city of Gdańsk on 27-28 May, bringing together the European space ecosystem for two days of high-level discussions, strategic insights, and the exploration of new cross-sector partnerships. Organised by the European Commission under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU and held in parallel with InfoShare—the largest startup conference in Central and Eastern Europe—this year’s edition promises to be the most dynamic yet. In this Observer, we share five compelling reasons to attend, and what you might miss if you don’t!
1. Build strategic cross-sector partnerships with emerging tech startups
This year, EU Space Days is set against the vibrant backdrop of InfoShare, Central and Eastern Europe’s premier tech and startup conference. For the first time, this collaboration provides a unique opportunity for space companies to directly engage with investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders from outside of the traditional space sector. With sessions tailored specifically to foster strategic alliances, attendees will be given the opportunity to explore new pathways for growth and cross-sector partnerships, particularly in areas such as AI, big data, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure. The presence of thousands of tech professionals and founder of early-stage tech companies will provide fertile ground for discovering unconventional applications of space-based services and developing scalable, commercially viable solutions. This year’s event is a rare chance to engage at the intersection of the space economy and Europe’s booming entrepreneurial ecosystem.
2. Deep dive into the future of space business at the AGORA stage
EU Space Days 2025 introduces the new AGORA Stage, designed for focused spin-off sessions on research, innovation, diversity, and sustainability. These dynamic sessions will dive into the future of space business, career opportunities, and emerging areas of action, bringing a sharper spotlight to themes such as diversity and inclusion in the space and defence sectors, sustainable practices in space, and Horizon Europe’s contributions to space research and innovation. With topics ranging from in-orbit manufacturing and next-generation satellite telecommunications to environmental impact and workforce development, the AGORA Stage will reflect the energy and ambition of a sector in rapid transformation. These sessions contain important information on the key areas shaping the future of the space sector, such as innovation, sustainability, and talent development.
3. Get the latest updates on the EU Space Programme directly from the source
The European Union’s space strategy continues to evolve, reflecting emerging priorities and technological breakthroughs. At EU Space Days, senior officials from the European Commission and key implementing partners will provide important updates on Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), and the ambitious IRIS² initiative—Europe’s new flagship secure connectivity constellation of 290 satellites. A dedicated session will explore the challenges facing the space sector today, including the growing risks of space congestion. With more actors and satellites in orbit than ever before, there is an urgent need for coordinated management of our orbital environment, and for shared protocols to prevent collisions and tackle the proliferation of space debris to protect both public and commercial infrastructure. The implications are far-reaching. A single incident in orbit could compromise critical space assets and services which Europeans rely on every day, including navigation, emergency response, weather monitoring, and communications. By attending the event, you’ll get the latest information on the EU Space Programme’s response to such urgent challenges, along with key policy shifts, operational updates, and future directions. These updates are critical for understanding where the European space landscape is headed in the coming years.
4. Gain expert insights into the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence
The EU Space Days 2025 will place the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence at the forefront, providing expert insights into how the Union is integrating space into its broader security and resilience agenda. Key discussions will explore the role of dual-use technologies, with IRIS² being showcased as an example of how European space assets can support both public and defence needs. A dedicated session on access to space will also address Europe’s ambition to ensure the autonomy of its satellite launch capabilities and reduce reliance on non-European launch providers. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders shaping strategic autonomy, defence preparedness, and resilience at a time when these issues are more salient than ever.
5. Network with key stakeholders
EU Space Days is Europe’s most significant gathering for networking in the space sector, bringing together decision-makers from European institutions, including the European Commission and EUSPA, as well as industry leaders, startups, academia, and this year, representatives of the Polish Presidency of the EU. Whether you’re seeking new business partners, policy insights, funding opportunities, or career connections, the event will provide a unique chance to engage directly with key actors shaping the future of EU space policy and the EU Space Programme. Dedicated networking sessions, lunches, and a high-profile cocktail event organised by the Polish Presidency will provide ideal opportunities to make new connections, develop collaborations, and exchange ideas. Past editions have catalysed everything from joint ventures to research partnerships.
6. Visit the latest Copernicus Earth Art Exhibition
A major highlight of EU Space Days, the Copernicus Earth Art Exhibition transforms satellite imagery into visually stunning works of art. With imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel missions, the exhibition reveals the beauty, complexity, and fragility of our planet. Each edition of the exhibition displays a new set of images, so one year is never the same as the last!
Join us in Gdańsk
EU Space Days 2025 marks a significant milestone for the European space community and is a unique chance to be part of the conversation on the future of Europe’s space sector. Visit the event website for full agenda details and registration information.
Thu, 03/04/2025 – 12:00
