European Union

Statement on current and future threats

Open Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in all its aspects 

Geneva, 21-25 July 2025

Mr. Chair, 

the functioning of economies, services and national security increasingly relies on space-related services and data. Space applications are paramount for progress on crucial global issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Space assets also offer vital services for humanitarian operations, disaster management, civil security, rescue operations, and are paramount to security and defence more broadly.

As the space environment is becoming increasingly congested, contested and competitive, the number of threats is rising significantly and merits our full attention. These threats not only undermine the safety and security of our space objects and systems, but also our ability to access space. The destruction of space objects, systems and infrastructure or interruption of their services could significantly impact and disrupt societies, economies and national security which are increasingly and essentially dependent on space-based services.

Over the past decades, outer space has witnessed a surge in security challenges with a multiplication of threats. These threats have direct implications for space services and applications in support of the many global issues for the benefit of all. 

Mr. Chair,

the current and future threats posed to space systems and services can be categorised by their effect as non-kinetic or kinetic, reversible or irreversible, employed in orbit, on the link segment or on the ground. The implications of such threats can differ vastly and emanate from different vectors (notably space-space, earth-space and earth-earth). Some of the most structuring developments, including unfriendly, ambiguous or even provocative events, behaviours below the threshold of the use of force, or new activities that could be mistaken for hostile manoeuvres, require us to address the issue of space security from a broader angle than the prevention of an arms race in outer space, to include the prevention of uncontrolled escalation and conflict. Other threats could have immediate effects on the ground, impacting the functioning of critical infrastructures and the disruption of services that societies rely on at large. 

Threats with potential to hamper the free and unhindered access to and use of space for all States and the long-term sustainability of outer space include the following: 

First, the development and deployment of nuclear weapons and any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. The EU and its Member States categorically oppose the placement of nuclear weapons and any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction in outer space, and, in line with UNGA Resolution 79/18, call on all States not to develop nuclear weapons or any kinds of weapons of mass destruction specifically designed to be placed in outer space.

Second, destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile tests, leading to the destruction of the targeted satellite and generate multiple long-lived space debris. The EU and its Member States, reiterating the call by UNGA Resolution 77/41 of 2022 “to commit not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests”, welcome all voluntary declarations of states not to conduct destructive DA-ASAT missile testing. This initiative exemplifies a clear norm of responsible space behaviour.

Third, destructive activities resulting in the creation of multiple long-lived space debris. Future related work to prevent intentional behaviours resulting in the creation of multiple long-lived debris as well as proper implementation of the Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines are crucial for the safety, security, stability and sustainability of outer space.

Fourth, the violation of obligations of the Outer Space Treaty, in particular those comprised in Article IV. The EU and its Member States encourage all States to accede or ratify the Outer Space Treaty and fully implement its provisions. The EU and its Member States underline the importance of the universalisation of the Outer Space Treaty for the preservation of a secure, safe, stable and sustainable outer space environment for present and future generations.

Mr. Chair, 

a particular challenge for space security is the inherent dual use nature of space objects and systems giving rise to ambiguities of their actual uses. Certain systems and objects that are indispensable for the free and sustainable use of outer space might be misused to impair or destroy space assets of others. 

Therefore, threats in outer space cannot be identified by observing space objects, technologies or space capabilities in isolation, but only through a comprehensive analysis of a combination of capabilities, declarations, intent and behaviours linked to actions, operations and activities in space, on the ground, in the electromagnetic spectrum and in the cyber domain.

The EU has submitted a working paper on current and future threats by States to space which further elaborates on all these points and more – I invite all States to consider this joint EU contribution. It reflects a comprehensive and holistic approach to threats, with the objective to achieve a new common understanding on what the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects means in the 21st century

Likewise, and to conclude, the upcoming sessions of the OEWG present opportunities for all States to share their concerns and priorities and to present to other States their view of what they consider threatening. It is an opportunity to engage in a dialogue and to collectively reflect on each other’s threat perceptions and security concerns.