EU’s foreign policy chief says Russia’s war on Ukraine exposed strategic importance of space

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Russia’s war on Ukraine exposed the strategic importance of space, the European Union’s foreign policy chief said Wednesday.

Addressing the European Space Conference in Brussels, Josep Borrell said geopolitical competition in the world is not projected in space and urged the EU to enter the increasingly competitive and contested space environment.

“Space has become a key strategic domain. It is affecting not only all aspects of our life, but it is a key resource or a key battlefield for security and defense,” he noted.

Asserting that Russia’s war on Ukraine exposed the strategic importance of the space, he said “this war was a wake-up call. It was a wake-up call for all of us: not just for Ukraine, not just for the Europeans, (but) for the international community and international security, and specifically in terms of space.”

More particularly on the use of satellites, Borrell drew attention to their importance for critical information security and defense.

“For instance, satellite imagery and communications have proved to be game changers for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and for the entire population. They have been providing critical information and situational awareness to help resist the attack. They have kept Ukrainians connected to their country and the outside world,” he added.