This introductory article to the special issue “EU Space Governance at the Threshold of a New Era” explores the European Union's evolving role as a strategic actor in space. It argues that the EU is undergoing a fundamental shift from a regulatory to a security-oriented approach, driven by institutional consolidation, technological ambition, and geopolitical pressures—particularly following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The article is divided into two parts. The first outlines key conceptual and institutional developments in EU space governance, including the emergence of hybrid governance models, the securitization of flagship programmes, and the launch of new initiatives such as IRIS2. The second part introduces the seven contributions to the special issue, which examine core themes such as dual-use infrastructure, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, industrial policy, and legal harmonization. Together, these articles provide a comprehensive and critical assessment of the EU's transition toward strategic autonomy in space. They highlight both the opportunities and constraints of this moment, offering insights into the governance choices that will shape Europe's space future.
Photo by José Luis Photographer