Text · Opinion parliamentary committee
On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union
Document ENVI-AD-785496 · COM(2025)0335 – C100128/2025 – 2025/0335(COD)
- Kind
- Opinion parliamentary committee ENVI-AD-785496
- Date
- 19 March 2026
- Committee
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
- Rapporteur
- Pierfrancesco Maran
- Dossier
- 2025-0335
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- Formats
- Official page PDF Word
- Subject matter
- ESPA, TECN
- Reference
- COM(2025)0335 – C100128/2025 – 2025/0335(COD)
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The Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety submits the following to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committee responsible:
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) Space-based data and space services provide invaluable contributions to a vast range of domains, such as internet connectivity, satellite television, navigation management and environmental monitoring. They enable applications for scientific purposes or security and defence operations, like search and rescue missions, communications for command-and-control purposes and reconnaissance capabilities. Space-based data and space services increasingly support the implementation of public policies of Member States and advance the Union’s political agenda and its path to the digital and green transitions. | (2) Space-based data and space services provide invaluable contributions to a vast range of domains, such as internet connectivity, satellite television, navigation management and environmental monitoring. They enable applications for scientific purposes or security and defence operations, like search and rescue missions, communications for command-and-control purposes and reconnaissance capabilities. Space-based data and space services increasingly support the implementation of public policies of Member States and advance the Union’s political agenda and its path to the digital and green transitions while reducing the administrative burden of in-situ environmental monitoring through Earth Observation Services. As space activities expand in scale and frequency, their life-cycle environmental impacts including those arising from the manufacture of space systems, launch operations, mission operations and end-of-life disposal warrant increased attention to ensure responsible and sustainable development of the space sector. In order to safeguard the long-term usability of the space environment and to limit adverse effects on the terrestrial environment, this Regulation should encourage the uptake of practices, technologies and operational approaches that reduce the ecological footprint of space missions, while preserving scientific progress, the competitiveness of the space sector and the availability of space-derived data and services for the benefit of society. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) Recognising that space activities constitute an economic sector of growing strategic importance, and that all economic sectors must contribute to the Union’s commitment under the European Climate Law to become climate-neutral by 2050, it is necessary to address the greenhouse gas emissions associated with space missions along their life-cycle. In order to align with the Union’s climate objectives, the Regulation should encourage the development and adoption of low-carbon and climate-friendly technologies, as well as operational practices that reduce the environmental footprint of space activities, thereby helping the space sector to contribute to the path toward climate neutrality. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) Such cross-border dimension of space activities is reflected by the transnational procurement of assets of space infrastructure, whereby products, components and systems of different segments of space infrastructure, as well as the relevant technology and expertise are pooled together by, or from, several Member States. At the same time, Member States rely on each other’s capabilities when carrying out spacecraft launches. In the same vein, the launch and re-entry operations expose the innate transboundary dimension through the impact which space activities have on the airspace of several Member States. | (4) Such cross-border dimension of space activities is reflected by the transnational procurement of assets of space infrastructure, whereby products, components and systems of different segments of space infrastructure, as well as the relevant technology and expertise are pooled together by, or from, several Member States. At the same time, Member States rely on each other’s capabilities when carrying out spacecraft launches. In the same vein, the launch and re-entry operations expose the innate transboundary dimension through the impact which space activities have on the environment, climate and airspace of several Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) However, neither the OST nor any other international treaty of the UN regulatory framework for space provide for specific and detailed rules to address the emerging risks associated with the increase of space activities. The Long-term Sustainability Guidelines adopted by the UN provide a framework of actions for national and regional entities to ensure the future protection of orbits. However, other than these non-binding guidelines, the congestion of orbits, the risk of collision, the risk of disruption of space services due to cyberattacks perpetrated on space infrastructure as well as the environmental impact of space activities constitute a growing reason for concern for the safety, resilience and environmental sustainability of space activities, for which there is no legislation at international level thus leaving a regulatory gap. | (7) However, neither the OST nor any other international treaty of the UN regulatory framework for space provide for specific and detailed rules to address the emerging risks and the growing environmental impacts associated with the increase of space activities. The Long-term Sustainability Guidelines adopted by the UN provide a framework of actions for national and regional entities to ensure the future protection of orbits. However, these non-binding guidelines are not sufficient to mitigate growing concerns for the safety, resilience and environmental sustainability of space activities, associated with the congestion of orbits, the risk of collision, including deliberate collision, the risk of disruption of space services due to cyberattacks perpetrated on space infrastructure as well as growing environmental impacts. Moreover, the OST liability regime does not cover environmental liability, nor does it place liability directly on space operators. This leaves a regulatory gap. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Requirements entailing higher costs, such as design requirements to avoid proliferation of space debris, or risk assessments aimed at ensuring the cybersecurity on the various segments of space infrastructure, may prompt Union space operators to seek establishment in jurisdictions with less stringent authorisation requirements. | (14) A fragmented legal framework may prompt Union space operators to seek establishment in other jurisdictions. However, the introduction of ambitious Union´s requirements will create a harmonised legal framework with safe, secure and sustainable space standards. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) By laying down technology neutral key requirements, innovation should be stimulated by offering to the space services providers access to current and potential new markets, resulting in an increased choice for end users. | (17) By laying down technology neutral key requirements, based on best available techniques and fully in line with the Union´s environmental acquis, innovation should be stimulated by offering to the space services providers access to current and potential new markets, resulting in an increased choice for end users. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (22) Primary providers of space-based data play a key role as intermediaries between the upstream and downstream sectors as they channel space-based data from space operators towards the various subsequent uses of such space-based data, for the benefit of the entire economy and citizens. In that respect, although the substantive rules which apply to space operators should not apply to them, they still play an important role in the space sector, by ascertaining that the space-based data which they pass down in the value chain originates from space operators that are compliant with this Regulation. Therefore, the Agency should draw-up a list of such primary providers of space-based data in the Union. In light of their role of intermediary, primary providers of space-based data are best placed to receive alerts or complaints about potential irregularities in respect to the use in the Union of space-based data, to directly alert their suppliers or bring to the knowledge of the Agency or the relevant competent authority in the Member State where they are established, any allegations about space-based data potentially originating from unregistered or non-compliant space operators, which may be in use in the internal market. | (22) Primary providers of space-based data play a key role as intermediaries between the upstream and downstream sectors as they channel space-based data from space operators towards the various subsequent uses of such space-based data, for the benefit of the entire economy, environment and citizens. In that respect, although the substantive rules which apply to space operators should not apply to them, they still play an important role in the space sector, by ascertaining that the space-based data which they pass down in the value chain originates from space operators that are compliant with this Regulation. Therefore, the Agency should draw-up a list of such primary providers of space-based data in the Union. In light of their role of intermediary, primary providers of space-based data are best placed to receive alerts or complaints about potential irregularities in respect to the use in the Union of space-based data, to directly alert their suppliers or bring to the knowledge of the Agency or the relevant competent authority in the Member State where they are established, any allegations about space-based data potentially originating from unregistered or non-compliant space operators, which may be in use in the internal market. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (30) The Union should seek gradually to conclude mutual recognition agreements with third countries. | (30) The Union should seek gradually to conclude mutual recognition agreements with third countries in order to facilitate international cooperation and reduce administrative burden for operators. However, such arrangements must notundermine the Union’s level of protection in the areas of safety, sustainability and environmental impact. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (51) Space operators should benefit from dedicated exemptions from the rules laid down in the different areas covered by this Regulation. When carrying out research space missions, they should be exempted from certain rules on safety. Similarly, space operators that qualify as small-sized enterprises or are research or education institutions should apply a simplified risk management focusing on critical assets and addressing main risks. In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) space missions should also be exempted from the calculation of the environmental footprint (EF) of space activities. | (51) Space operators should benefit from dedicated exemptions from the rules laid down in the different areas covered by this Regulation. When carrying out research space missions, they should be exempted from certain rules on safety. Similarly, space operators that qualify as small-sized enterprises or are research or education institutions should apply a simplified risk management focusing on critical assets and addressing main risks. Research and education institutions may carry out a simplified calculation of the environmental footprint (EF) of space activities when they carry out In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) space missions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (54) From micro to heavy launchers, the launcher market has evolved. New capabilities are developed, such as re-usability of, for example, the first stage and boosters of the launch vehicles. More Member States are developing launch capabilities and thus intensifying access to space. | (54) From micro to heavy launchers, the launcher market has evolved. New capabilities are developed, such as re-usability of, for example, the first stage and boosters of the launch vehicles, thus further circularity requirements should be developed. More Member States are developing launch capabilities and thus intensifying access to space. As launch activities and capabilities increase, so, too, does increase the associated environmental impact, including emissions, local environmental effects and resource use. Member States should therefore be encouraged to develop and operate launcher systems in ways that reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to more sustainable access to space. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) Access to space is crucial for EU's strategic autonomy. However, an increased launch traffic also has consequences for the safety for the launch and re-entry and for safety in the air and on ground. The increased space launch traffic might also generate a negative impact on the economic, environmental and efficient performance of the Single European Sky. The risk of disruption of the air and maritime traffic should be minimised in agreement with the relevant authorities and air traffic service providers. Coordination between the relevant authorities and the competent air traffic service providers at national level contributes to limit the impacts of traffic disruption and the risk of collision. When space launches affect more than one Member State, timely coordination between space operators and the European Network Manager is needed. This coordination should include an assessment of the European airspace closure size, duration and impacted air routes. Only at a later stage adequate cost sharing mechanisms for the use of the airspace should be established. This will incentivise the safe and sustainable use of airspace for all users. Furthermore, the stages of launch and re-entry may also create a risk for on-ground casualty which needs to be limited through close coordination with the impacted relevant authorities and traffic service providers. The increasing risk of collision with aircraft during the transition phase of space launch and re-entry can be support by well-established aviation safety methodologies and best practices on risk assessment. | (55) Access to space is crucial for Union`s strategic autonomy. However, an increased launch traffic also has consequences for the safety for the launch and re-entry and for safety in the air and on ground. The increased space launch traffic might also generate a negative impact on the economic and efficient performance of the Single European Sky while generating a negative impact on the environment. The risk of disruption of the air and maritime traffic should be minimised in agreement with the relevant authorities and air traffic service providers. Coordination between the relevant authorities and the competent air traffic service providers at national level contributes to limit the impacts of traffic disruption and the risk of collision. When space launches affect more than one Member State, timely coordination between space operators and the European Network Manager is needed. This coordination should include an assessment of the European airspace closure size, duration and impacted air routes. Only at a later stage adequate cost sharing mechanisms for the use of the airspace should be established. This will incentivise the safe and sustainable use of airspace for all users. Furthermore, the stages of launch and re-entry may also create a risk for on-ground casualty which needs to be limited through close coordination with the impacted relevant authorities and traffic service providers. The increasing risk of collision with aircraft during the transition phase of space launch and re-entry can be supported by well-established aviation safety methodologies and best practices on risk assessment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Projections show that, even without any new launches, collision between space objects already in space will become a big source of debris. The risk of collision between space objects would ultimately put an already congested Low Earth Orbit (LEO) under pressure, which creates a risk for the future access to space. In terms of mass, most space debris come from parts of launch vehicles (rocket bodies). Meanwhile, the number of spacecraft in orbit is rapidly growing due to the developments of satellite constellations. | (57) Projections show that, even without any new launches, collision between space objects already in space will become a big source of debris. The risk of collision between space objects would ultimately put an already congested Low Earth Orbit (LEO) under pressure, which creates a risk for the future access to space. In terms of mass, most space debris come from parts of launch vehicles (rocket bodies). Meanwhile, the number of spacecraft in orbit is rapidly growing due to the developments of satellite constellations. Therefore, investment in RDI research is necessary in order to prevent the creation of new space debris and to develop mechanisms for recovering existing space debris. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57a) The accumulation of defunct satellites, rocket stages and other space debris in Earth orbit poses a major environmental risk and constitutes a new form of “state waste” in the orbital commons. The ESA Space Environment Report 2025 highlights the continuing increase in debris density and collision risk. This Regulation therefore introduces sustainability criteria for space activities in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.1a | |
| 1a ESA – Space Environment Report 2025, European Space Agency, April 2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (58) To protect the space environment, there is a need to ensure that launch vehicles and spacecraft produce the least amount of debris. Prevention of debris is also in line with the prevention approach as a first stage in the waste hierarchy established by the Waste Framework Directive10 . Consequently, obligations at the design phase, as well as during the orbital lifetime, should be provided for. This necessity is also recognised at international level, where several standards have been adopted by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO). Therefore, the authorisation to carry out space activities should be linked to the submission by space operators of specific space debris plans to demonstrate how the launch vehicles and spacecraft would limit debris creation. | (58) To protect the environment in space and on Earth, there is a need to ensure that launch vehicles and spacecraft produce the least amount of debris and overall material footprint. Prevention of debris is also in line with the prevention approach as a first stage in the waste hierarchy established by the Waste Framework Directive10. Consequently, obligations at the design phase, notably the implementation of the design-out-waste principle, as well as during and after the orbital lifetime, including the end-of-life, re-entry, reuse and recycling of spacecraft and other used materials, should be provided for. This necessity is also recognised at international level, where several standards have been adopted by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO). Therefore, the authorisation to carry out space activities should be linked to the submission by space operators of specific space debris plans to demonstrate how the launch vehicles and spacecraft would, to the extent possible, prevent and limit debris creation and overall material footprint. |
| 10 (10)Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312 22.11.2008, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/98/2024-02-18) | 10 Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312 22.11.2008, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/98/2024-02-18) |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Generation of debris should be best avoided through requiring capacities to perform CA manoeuvres and to move satellites to graveyard orbits. As a result, all spacecraft should be endowed with a recurrent manoeuvrability capability, except for spacecraft placed below 400 km, since the atmospheric drag would, in such case, ensure in a natural manner, a short orbit lifetime of that spacecraft. | (63) Generation of debris should be best avoided through implemented waste hierarchy and design-out-waste principles, requiring capacities to perform CA manoeuvres and to ensure safe re-entry of satellites when technically feasible, taking into account technological developments. As a result, all spacecraft should be endowed with a recurrent manoeuvrability capability. There is an exception for spacecraft placed below 400 km, since the atmospheric drag would in such case ensure in a natural manner a short orbit lifetime of that spacecraft. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (92a) Union space operators should bear responsibility for all aspects of their space activities and throughout the whole lifecycle of their space missions. This should cover safety, resilience, and sustainability and should apply both to space and to Earth. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (92b) As space activities expand exponentially, driven by rising launch rates and growing satellite constellations, the associated environmental pressure is intensifying. This Regulation should encourage Union space operators to invest in research and development to improve the understanding and mitigate the environmental impacts of their space activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (92c) As the environmental impacts of space activities increase, and given the limited possibilities to mitigate those impacts, the Union should take a cautious approach towards missions that do not have scientific research or societal purposes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (93) Harmonised rules on environmental sustainability should be laid down to achieve the internal market potential and promote the environmental sustainability in the space sector, preventing market fragmentation and advancing the transition to a just, climate-neutral, resource-efficient and circular economy. | (93) Harmonised rules on environmental sustainability should be laid down to achieve the internal market potential and promote environmental sustainability in the space sector, preventing market fragmentation and advancing the transition to a just, climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and circular economy. These rules should promote reductions in GHG emissions and responsible end-of-life management, reduce environmental impacts across the full lifecycle, advance sustainable technologies and support the responsible use of space and terrestrial resources. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (93a) There is growing evidence of the negative impacts of space activities on the climate and the ozone layer, deriving mainly from the release of soot, alumina, water vapor and NOx. While the space sector currently accounts only for a small share of emissions compared with other sectors, the environmental impacts of a single launch are significantly higher than that of an aircraft flight, and these impacts are expected to become more substantial as space activities continue to grow. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (94) A shift towards circular economy-based and sustainable practices in space should support the long-term sustainable use of resources in space activities. By starting to embrace the circular economy principles, the space industry should adopt more sustainable practices known to be effective, while also drive innovation towards new products with reduced environmental impact. In this regard ISOS should also be key to facilitating this shift toward sustainability and a circular economy in space. | (94) A shift towards circular economy-based and sustainable practices in space should support the long-term sustainable use of resources in space activities. By embracing the circular economy principles, including the waste hierarchy and design-out-waste principles, and targets on material footprint and the share of recycled content, the space industry should adopt more sustainable practices known to be effective, while also drive innovation towards new products with reduced environmental impact, including products that are more repairable, serviceable, reusable, and recyclable. In this regard ISOS should also be key to facilitating this shift toward sustainability and a circular economy in space. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (95) Since this Regulation is part of the Union comprehensive efforts to establish a robust policy framework for environmentally sustainable products, services and business models, it should complement the measures laid down in the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation and the Circular Economy Action Plan framework. The Environmental Footprint studies in the context of this Regulation should in this sense support the development of improved eco-design practices and contribute to mapping energy and materials flows in the Union space sector, including strategic and/or critical raw materials and enabling higher supply chain resilience. | (95) Since this Regulation is part of the Union comprehensive efforts to establish a robust policy framework for environmentally sustainable products, services and business models, it should complement the measures laid down in the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Circular Economy Action Plan framework and the upcoming Circular Economy Act. The Environmental Footprint studies in the context of this Regulation should in this sense support the development of improved eco-design practices and contribute to mapping energy and materials flows in the Union space sector and accelerating the transition to the closed-loop carbon neutral circular economy, including strategic and/or critical raw materials and enabling higher supply chain resilience. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (96) Space operators should consequently be required to calculate the environmental footprint of their space activities throughout the lifecycle of space missions. A certificate should be issued by a qualified technical body for space activities carrying out the verification and validation of the calculation of the environmental footprint of space activities, to attest it. | (96) Space operators should consequently be required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and calculate and mitigate proportionate to the scale of the space activity the environmental footprint of their space activities throughout the lifecycle of space missions. A certificate should be issued by a qualified technical body for space activities carrying out the verification and validation of the calculation of the environmental footprint of space activities, to attest correct footprint calculation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (97) To limit the environmental impact of space activities and to encourage their sustainability, the Commission should develop a detailed methodology for calculating the environmental footprint of space activities, based on scientifically sound assessment methods or international standards, such as those outlined in the Commission Recommendation on the use of Environmental Footprint methods, with a view to facilitating comparison among space systems. | (97) To limit the environmental impact of space activities and to encourage their sustainability, the Commission, in cooperation with relevant space experts, should develop a detailed methodology for calculating the environmental footprint of space activities. The methodology should be based on scientifically sound assessment methods or international standards, such as those outlined in the Commission Recommendation on the use of Environmental Footprint methods, with a view to facilitating comparison among space systems. Once this methodology is established and operational, the Commission should review its functioning five years after the entry into force of this Regulation and establish requirements and targets necessary to ensure the effective reduction of the environmental impacts of space activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (110) Technical assessment related to the safety, resilience and environmental sustainability of space activities require specialised knowledge of such areas. Competent authorities should, in most cases, rely on the technical knowledge and expertise of technical bodies which are able to carry out assessments and verifications to ascertain that the requirements laid down in this Regulation are met, so that the authorisations to carry out space activities can subsequently be issued by the competent authorities. | (110) Technical assessment related to the safety, resilience and environmental sustainability of space activities require specialised knowledge of such areas. Competent authorities should, in most cases, rely on the technical and sustainability knowledge and expertise of technical bodies which are able to carry out assessments and verifications to ascertain that the requirements laid down in this Regulation are met, so that the authorisations to carry out space activities can subsequently be issued by the competent authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (131) With a view to facilitating and accompany the implementation of the requirements laid down by this Regulation, a set of supporting and accompanying measures should be in place until, and throughout, its implementation. These measures would consist in the provision of guidance and assistance to space operators in the preparation of technical dossiers for authorisation or registration on matters covered by this Regulation, as well as of a set of measures for capacity building and funding. | (131) With a view to facilitating the implementation of the requirements laid down by this Regulation, a set of supporting and accompanying measures should be in place until, and throughout, its implementation. These measures would consist in the provision of guidance and assistance to space operators in the preparation of technical dossiers for authorisation or registration on matters covered by this Regulation, as well as of a set of measures for capacity building and funding. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (133) In the area of environmental sustainability, the Commission should further specify, by implementing acts, rules including a specific methodology for the calculation and verification of the environmental footprint of space activities. | (133) In the area of environmental sustainability, the Commission should further specify, by implementing acts, rules to reduce the environmental impact of space projects, including a specific methodology for the calculation and verification of the environmental footprint of space activities, ensuring that this assessment is comprehensive and science-based and that such rules are proportionate. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (60) ‘environmental sustainability’ means the ability to preserve and protect the natural Earth environment over time, through appropriate practices and policies meeting present needs and without compromising the availability of resources in the future; | (60) ‘environmental sustainability’ means the ability to preserve and protect the natural Earth, environment, atmosphere and space over time, through appropriate practices and policies meeting present needs and without compromising the availability of resources in the future; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Union space operators shall not provide space services unless they have obtained in a Member State an authorisation to carry out space activities which demonstrate compliance with the requirements laid down in Title IV, Chapters I to V, as applicable, depending on the category of space operator concerned. | 1. Union space operators shall not provide space services unless they have conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and obtained in a Member State an authorisation to carry out space activities which demonstrate compliance with the requirements laid down in Title IV, Chapters I to V, as applicable, depending on the category of space operator concerned. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The application for authorisation shall contain a technical file with all necessary documentation and supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance with the requirements laid down in Title IV, Chapters I to V, as applicable. | 2. The application for authorisation shall contain an environmental impact assessment report and a technical file with all necessary documentation and supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance with the requirements laid down in Title IV, Chapters I to V, as applicable. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where the Union space operator intends to carry out a space mission that entails the launch of a satellite constellation, it shall submit to the competent authority an application for a single authorisation covering the launch or, as applicable, the launch and operation, in respect to all satellites that are part of the constellation, provided that all of the following conditions are met: | Where the Union space operator intends to carry out a space mission that entails the launch of a satellite constellation, it shall submit to the competent authority an environmental impact assessment report and an application for a single authorisation covering the launch or, as applicable, the launch and operation, in respect to all satellites that are part of the constellation, provided that all of the following conditions are met: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. When space operators that are small-sized enterprises or are research or education institutions carry out In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) space missions, they shall be exempted, in relation to Title IV, Chapter III, from the obligation referred to in Article 96(2). | 4. When space operators that are small-sized enterprises or are research or education institutions carry out In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) space missions, they shall be allowed, in relation to the obligation referred to in Article 96(2) of Title IV, Chapter III, to carry out a simplified environmental footprint (EF) calculation, using the method specified by the Commission referred to in Article 97(4). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) has an adequate number of personnel for the performance of its tasks. | (c) has adequate resources, expertise, and number of personnel for the performance of its tasks. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Section -1 | |
| LAUNCHERS AND SPACECRAFT | |
| Lifecycle Responsibility and Liability | |
| Article 57a | |
| 1. Union space operators shall bear responsibility for their space activities and liability for the entire lifecycle of their space missions, in addition to obligations arising from existing international space law, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. To that end, Union space operators shall collect relevant technical and operational information from their service providers and supplier manufacturers. In addition, Member States shall require operators to bear financial and organisational responsibility for the end-of-life stage of their objects and services. | |
| s | 2. By 1 January 2028, the Commission shall adopt a delegated act, in accordance with Article 113 to supplement this Regulation by laying down the detailed rules for the fulfilment of the obligations referred to in the first paragraph of this Article, including a common baseline for the responsibility and liability of Union space operators across the lifecycle of their space missions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Union launch operators shall limit debris creation through the implementation of the following measures: | 1. Union launch operators shall to the extent possible prevent and limit debris creation through the implementation of the following measures: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) limitation of planned release of debris into Earth, during nominal operations, through the implementation measures set out in point 1.1, of Annex II; | (a) prevention and limitation to the extent possible of planned release of debris into Earth, during nominal operations, through the implementation measures set out in point 1.1, of Annex II; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (aa) circular economy principles, including design-out-waste and waste hierarchy principles during the design phase for launchers; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) end-of-life disposal, in accordance with point 2, of Annex II. | (c) end-of-life disposal, including re-entry of launchers when it is safe, technically feasible and in the interest of the environment, in accordance with point 2, of Annex II. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 61a | |
| Soil and groundwater pollution | |
| 1. Union launch operators shall assess the potential adverse effects on soil and groundwater of their launch activities. | |
| 2. Where risks are identified, Union launch operators shall take appropriate and proportionate measures to mitigate those risks. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The subscription referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover all phases of a space mission, including orbit raising, ISOS and end of life phases, with the exclusion of the re-entry phase. | 2. The subscription referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover all phases of a space mission, including orbit raising, ISOS, including debris removal and disposal, and end of life phases, with the exclusion of the re-entry phase. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Union spacecraft operators shall send the necessary data and information, such as positioning, state of the spacecraft, possibility to communicate, to enable a more accurate re-entry service to the Union CA space services provider referred to in Article 64(1), without prejudice to the transmission to the entity in charge of re-entry service in the Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) sub-component referred to in Article 58(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/696. | 1. Union spacecraft operators shall ensure the re-entry of all spacecraft when it is safe, technically feasible and in the interest of the environment, send the necessary data and information, such as positioning, state of the spacecraft, possibility to communicate, to enable a more accurate re-entry service to the Union CA space services provider referred to in Article 64(1), without prejudice to the transmission to the entity in charge of re-entry service in the Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) sub-component referred to in Article 58(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/696. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) limitation of planned generation of debris into Earth, during nominal operations, in accordance with point 1.1, of Annex V; | (a) prevention and limitation to the extent possible of planned generation of debris into Earth, during nominal operations, in accordance with point 1.1, of Annex V; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) limitation of risk of accidental fragmentation, in accordance with point 1.2, of Annex V and point 1.3, of Annex V; | (b) prevention and limitation to the extent possible of risk of accidental fragmentation, in accordance with point 1.2, of Annex V and point 1.3, of Annex V; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) completion of the end-of-life disposal, in accordance with point 3, of Annex V; | (c) completion of the end-of-life disposal and ensuring the re-entry when it is safe, technically feasible and in the interest of the environment, in accordance with point 3, of Annex V; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission may, by means of implementing acts: | The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 70a | |
| Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Removal | |
| 1. For the purposes of this Regulation, Union spacecraft and launch vehicles operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) shall be disposed and re-entered into the Earth’s atmosphere as soon as possible and no later than five years after the date of mission completion. | |
| 2. For orbits other than LEO, the Commission shall adopt by means of implementing acts appropriate maximum post-mission lifetimes and removal requirements, which take into account orbital dynamics, collision risk and best available scientific and technical evidence. Such implementing acts shall be adopted within 12 months of the entry into force of this Regulation. | |
| Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 114(2). | |
| 3. The timelines referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 may be extended upon demonstration to the competent authority that: | |
| (a) safe alternative disposal measures are in place, ensuring equivalent or better reduction of collision risk; | |
| (b) the spacecraft is designed to enable active removal; or | |
| (c) risks make re-entry impracticable and an approved plan for active removal exists. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) a description of the technical and operational measures implemented by the Union spacecraft operator to reduce the visible brightness of the spacecraft and to minimise the impact of satellites on astronomical observations; | (a) a description of the technical and operational measures implemented by the Union spacecraft operator to reduce the visible brightness of the spacecraft and to minimise the impact of satellites on astronomical observations, including in visible and invisible (infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma) light; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) a description of the technical and operational measures implemented by the Union spacecraft operator to limit disruptions for radio astronomy observatories and to minimise the impact of satellites on astronomical observations. | (b) a description of the technical and operational measures implemented by the Union spacecraft operator to limit disruptions for radio astronomy observatories and to minimise the impact of satellites on observational astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) provide evidence that the overall deployment of the constellation does not create disproportionate congestion in the orbital region concerned, including an assessment of the expected conjunction burden for themselves and for other operators. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) identify and assess, on a continuous basis, all sources of risks; | (a) identify and assess, on a continuous basis, all sources of risks, including risks to the environment; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Union space operators shall establish and implement an incident management process that allows them to promptly detect, identify, handle and respond to incidents and to report significant incidents in accordance with Article 93. | Union space operators shall establish and implement an incident management process that allows them to promptly detect, identify, handle and respond to incidents and to report significant incidents in accordance with Article 93, including incidents or risks that may have an impact on the environment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 95a | |
| Information sharing on environment and climate data | |
| 1. Union space operators providing space-based Earth Observation data may share data on climate and the environment. The Agency shall make this data available and easily accessible to the competent authorities and other relevant research institutes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) a mitigation plan to reduce the environmental impact of the space activity that is proportionate to the scale of the space activity; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) information about the type of space activities that are planned to be carried out and the type of products, substances or materials to which the EFD applies; | (b) information about the type and purpose of space activities that are planned to be carried out, and the type of products, substances or materials to which the EFD applies; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 8a. The exemption referred to in paragraph 8 does not preclude the possibility for the Union space operators listed in points (a) and (b) of that paragraph to comply on a voluntary basis before 31 December 2031 with the obligations in Articles 96, 97, 98, 99 and 100. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The EF of space activities shall cover the space missions carried out in any of the Earth orbits including graveyard orbits. | 1. The EF of space activities shall cover the space missions carried out in outer space, including any of the Earth orbits and graveyard orbits. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The calculation referred to in Article 96(2) shall cover all the activities carried out throughout the lifecycle of a space mission, including during initial stages, such as design and development, during the manufacturing phase, the operation phases and the end of life stages. | 2. The calculation referred to in Article 96(2) shall cover all the activities carried out throughout the lifecycle of a space mission, including during initial stages, such as design and development, during the manufacturing phase, the operation phases, the end of life stages, as well as the reuse, recycling and manufacturing phases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 114(2), to specify the method of calculation and verification of the EF of space activities, by taking into account scientifically sound assessment methods and the relevant international standards aligned with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/227918 . Those implementing acts shall be reviewed to take into account scientific and technological developments and adapt to technological progress. | 4. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts no later than 1 January 2029 and in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 114(2), to specify the method of calculation and verification of the EF of space activities, by taking into account scientifically sound assessment methods and the relevant international standards aligned with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/227918. Those implementing acts shall be reviewed to take into account scientific and technological developments and adapt to technological progress, and shall include among others high-atmosphere emissions of space activities such as soot, alumina, water vapor and NOx. The Commission may propose the use of a common tool to enable the calculation of the EF of space activities. |
| 18 (18)Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 of 15 December 2021 on the use of the Environmental Footprint methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisations (OJ L 471, 30.12.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2279/oj). | 18 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 of 15 December 2021 on the use of the Environmental Footprint methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisations (OJ L 471, 30.12.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2279/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The Commission shall make use of the disaggregated datasets referred to in Article 99, exclusively for the purposes of informing policymaking activities, of providing regulatory updates, and for the creation of derived datasets. | 1. The Commission shall make use of the disaggregated datasets referred to in Article 99, exclusively for the purposes of informing policymaking activities, of providing regulatory updates, and for the creation of derived datasets. The Commission shall in this regard ensure the protection of confidential information. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 100a | |
| Applicability of UNECE Conventions | |
| 1. This Regulation is without prejudice to the obligations under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, signed at Aarhus on 25 June 1998, and under the UNECE Convention on environmental impact assessment in a transboundary context, signed at Espoo on 25 February 1991 and its Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment, signed in Kyiv on 21 May 2003. | |
| 2. All decisions adopted pursuant to the Articles in this Chapter shall be made publicly available. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 100b | |
| Prohibition on animal experiments | |
| 1. Union space operators shall commit to the phasing out of using animals in experiments or testing and the use of non-animal methods when available. Any use of animals in experiments or testing shall be done in compliance with Directive 2010/63/EU. Union space operators shall refrain from cooperating with or participating in space programmes that involve animal experiments when non-animal methods are available. | |
| 2. Union space operators, the Commission and the Member States shall continue to promote the development and international adoption of alternative, cruelty-free research methods. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. Agreements referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be concluded, if the third country concerned for the purposes of the agreement ensures regulatory requirements and operational practices that provide a level of safety, environmental protection, sustainability and space-debris mitigation that is equivalent to that required under Union law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) the prevention of space debris and developing mechanisms for recovering existing space debris; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall develop a Union Space Label Framework to promote enhanced voluntary adherence to high standards of protection of space activities. | The Commission shall develop a Union Space Label Framework to promote enhanced voluntary adherence to high standards of protection and sustainability of space activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ga) develop and improve Earth observation services. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The three protection levels shall take into account environmental considerations, including the life cycle assessment and environmental footprint referred to in Chapter III. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 7 a. Contracting authorities and contracting entities in the Union shall, when carrying out public procurement procedures, take into account as an award criterion the Union Space Label established in this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Unchanged text included in the compromise |
|---|---|
| 2. The power to adopt the delegated acts referred to in Article 41(3), Article 44(3), Article 56(9), first subparagraph, Article 70(4), Article 78(3), Article 79(4), Article 82(4), Article 83(5), Article 84(5), Article 85(4), Article 86(4), Article 92(4), Article 93(7), second subparagraph, Article 101(4), first subparagraph, and Article 109(2), second subparagraph, shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from 1 January 2027. | 2. The power to adopt the delegated acts referred to in Article 41(3), Article 44(3), Article 56(9), first subparagraph, Article 57a (new), second subparagraph, Article 70(4), Article 78(3), Article 79(4), Article 82(4), Article 83(5), Article 84(5), Article 85(4), Article 86(4), Article 92(4), Article 93(7), second subparagraph, Article 101(4), first subparagraph, and Article 109(2), second subparagraph, shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from 1 January 2027. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of this evaluation and following the establishment of the methodology for calculating the environmental footprint of space activities referred to in this Regulation, the Commission shall establish the requirements and targets necessary to ensure effective reductions in the environmental impacts of space activities. This review with due regard to technical feasibility shall include, inter alia: | |
| (a) the introduction of targets relating to greenhouse-gas emission reductions; | |
| (b) the circularity and reparability requirements and targets; | |
| (c) the requirements for the minimisation of pollution and hazardous substances and | |
| (d) the progressive substitution of harmful propellants with sustainable alternatives. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) A spacecraft shall be designed to limit the generation of debris, in accordance with the requirements set out in the implementing act referred to in Article 70(3), point (a). | (a) A spacecraft shall be designed to limit the generation of debris in accordance with the design-out-waste and waste hierarchy principles and in accordance with the requirements set out in the implementing act referred to in Article 70(3), point (a). |
Back matter, 1
Parts that accompany the text rather than belong to it: explanatory statement, annexes, opinions appended by other committees. Collapsed.
Annex: declaration of input 1 block
The Chair in his capacity as rapporteur for opinion declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his opinion input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.
Procedure pages and committee votes
How the committees handled the text and how their members voted on it. Collapsed.
Procedure – committee asked for opinion 1 block
| Title | Safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union | |
| References | COM(2025)0335 – C10-0128/2025 – 2025/0335(COD) | |
| Committee(s) responsible Date announced in plenary | ITRE 8.9.2025 | |
| Opinion by Date announced in plenary | ENVI 8.9.2025 | |
| Rapporteur for the opinion Date appointed | Pierfrancesco Maran 24.2.2026 | |
| Previous rapporteur for opinion | Antonio Decaro | |
| Simplified procedure - date of decision | 23.9.2025 | |
| Date adopted | 17.3.2026 | |
| Result of final vote | +: –: 0: | 59 17 1 |
Final vote by roll call by the committee asked for opinion 3 blocks
59 · For
- EPP
- Pascal Arimont, Daniel Buda, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, Regina Doherty, Gheorghe Falcă, Sunčana Glavak, Niels Flemming Hansen, Esther Herranz García, Adam Jarubas, Radan Kanev, Martine Kemp, Stefan Köhler, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Mirosława Nykiel, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Jessica Polfjärd, Massimiliano Salini, Oliver Schenk, Christine Schneider, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Zala Tomašič, Dimitris Tsiodras
- Renew
- Jeannette Baljeu, Stine Bosse, Pascal Canfin, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Martin Hojsík, Billy Kelleher, Ana Vasconcelos, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik
- S&D
- Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Thomas Bajada, Delara Burkhardt, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Heléne Fritzon, Elisabeth Grossmann, Javi López, César Luena, Pierfrancesco Maran, Alessandra Moretti, Maria Noichl, Nikos Papandreou, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kristian Vigenin
- The Left
- Per Clausen, Martin Günther, Anja Hazekamp, Catarina Martins, Jonas Sjöstedt
- Greens
- Martin Häusling, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Rasmus Nordqvist, Maria Ohisalo, Jutta Paulus, Lena Schilling, Kai Tegethoff
17 · Against
- ECR
- Beatrice Timgren, Laurence Trochu, Aurelijus Veryga, Alexandr Vondra, Anna Zalewska
- ESN
- Anja Arndt, Tomasz Froelich, Volker Schnurrbusch
- Patriots
- Barbara Bonte, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Susanna Ceccardi, Viktória Ferenc, Roman Haider, Jana Nagyová, Silvia Sardone, Antonín Staněk
Connections
The dossier, the decisions on this text and its other versions.
No connections found for this item.
Sources & citation
Where the facts on this page come from, and how to cite it.
- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Retrieved
- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union”. Text, 19 March 2026. docId ENVI-AD-785496. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ENVI-AD-785496 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/ENVI-AD-785496 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-envi-ad-785496,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-19},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ENVI-AD-785496}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ENVI-AD-785496},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId ENVI-AD-785496. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}