Program

Key topics:

• European strategic autonomy in space: IRIS², Galileo, Copernicus, European PNT, etc.
• Multilateral alliances for space and maritime defence, including cooperation between European states and between Europe and external partners, and the role of NATO, ESA and EU.
• International standards, governance and regulation: security; dual use, regulations for space/maritime activities.
• Sharing resources and capabilities (observation, communications, ground stations and maritime infrastructure).

Goals:

• Identify concrete strategies to increase European cooperation (including public–private) with the aim of creating a common defence strategy (including EU technologies).
• Map existing alliances, gaps and opportunities for new partnerships (including with countries in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East).
• Recommend policies and investments (governmental and industrial) that promote strategic autonomy in space and at sea.

Outcomes:

• A document/set of guidelines containing policy recommendations (for EU, national governments) on space/maritime cooperation.
• A proposal for a roadmap/specific initiatives (e.g. pilot projects or joint ventures) to be presented to stakeholders.
• A list of actors, critical and enabling technologies, barriers to be overcome (technical, regulatory, financial).

Key topics:

• Hybrid threats in space: cyber-attacks, spoofing or interferences, attacks on satellites, disinformation via space data.
• Dual use of space technologies: surveillance, telecommunications, encrypted communications.
• Defence and deterrence in atmospheric and extra-atmospheric space: policy, capabilities, rules of engagement.
• Resilience of space systems: how to protect critical infrastructure and ensure operational continuity in crisis scenarios.

Goals:

• Analyse Europe’s major vulnerabilities in the space domain today with the emergence of hybrid warfare.
• Discuss mechanisms and tools to strengthen space defence and resilience: frontier technologies (AI and quantum computing), policy, cooperation.
• Propose ways to regulate the space domain in conflict contexts (including international norms).

Outcomes:

• A map of current and expected hybrid threats to the space domain (including interaction with marine/submarine domains).
• Recommendations for action on cybersecurity, satellite cyber posture, protection policies.
• Use cases, ideas for exercises, simulations, cooperation between defence/space agencies in response to threat scenarios.

Key topics:

• Physical and digital security of submarine infrastructure: communication cables, electrical cables, energy cables, coastal terminals.
• EU Action Plan on submarine cable security: prevention, detection, response, repair, deterrence.
• Technological vulnerabilities and potential attacks: tapping, sabotage, malware in control systems, threats from remote infrastructure.
• Strategic impact of submarine cables for telecommunications, data, national security, digital economy.

Goals:

• Map the current state of submarine infrastructure in the Mediterranean/Europe: strengths and weaknesses.
• Explore how to integrate policies and technologies to ensure resilience and protection (physical and cyber).
• Stimulate the development of shared standards/regulations – starting with the Musumeci bill already approved by the Senate – as well as cooperation between states for the security of critical submarine infrastructure.

Outcomes:

• Report on specific vulnerabilities/risks (physical/cyber) in Mediterranean submarine infrastructure.
• Proposal for policy/regulatory/safety standards measures, including at EU or regional level.
• Pilot projects or recommendations for monitoring, undersea surveillance, rapid response, repair fleet (as proposed by the EU).

Key topics:

• Environmental impact of space and underwater activities: space pollution, satellite debris, impact of launches, marine pollution from underwater infrastructure.
• Circular economy, sustainable use of resources: satellite materials, end-of-life recovery, recycling, design for durability.
• Equity, inclusion, sustainable development: how space and the sea can contribute to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), especially for coastal communities, small islands, countries with limited capacity.
• Climate change: monitoring from space, underwater data, use of satellites for mitigation/adaptation.

Goals:

• Integrate the principles of Agenda 2030 into the development of space/marine infrastructures, defining best practices to minimise environmental impact.
• Raise awareness among participants that growth in the space and marine sectors must be sustainable: not only technological and strategic, but also ecological and social.
• Promote sustainability guidelines or criteria that can be adopted by industries and governments.

Outcomes:

• Sustainability guidelines/checklists for space/submarine projects.
• Proposals for international standards or national regulations incorporating the SDGs.
• Case studies to highlight: what is already being done well, what is not, lessons learned.