Project description
Bridging gaps in Europe’s space security strategy
Space is becoming a battleground for economic and strategic interests. The EU’s Space Strategy for Security and Defence is racing to catch up. Fragmented policies, under-recognised regional roles, and a lack of social sciences input leave Europe vulnerable in this critical domain. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EUSTAR project will review the strategy and propose how to better integrate regions, stakeholders, and inclusive values into future planning. This combines foresight, scenario planning, and broad consultations to craft practical recommendations ahead of the next EU budget cycle (2028-2034). In doing so, EUSTAR aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and build a more resilient and inclusive space policy framework.
Objective
The EUSTAR project critically examines the implementation of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, identifying significant gaps in current policy frameworks, particularly regarding regional contributions and stakeholder integration across Europe. Despite the EU’s recognition of space as a vital domain intersecting multiple policy areas, the strategy has not been thoroughly analyzed from an interdisciplinary social sciences perspective. EUSTAR addresses this gap by focusing on three key areas: the need for a comprehensive assessment of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence and its objectives in anticipation of the Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034); the overlooked role of Regions as pivotal subnational actors in European space policy; and the limited scholarly attention paid to European space policy. Utilizing an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates qualitative and quantitative research, scenario planning, foresight methodologies, and extensive stakeholder consultations, EUSTAR develops nuanced policy recommendations aimed at optimizing strategic alignment, enhancing regional engagement, and fostering cross-sectoral innovation. The project also emphasises inclusivity by integrating gender and diversity considerations into its analysis, thereby addressing systemic inequalities within the space sector. The expected outcomes include the advancement of theoretical frameworks for understanding European space policy, practical recommendations for resource allocation within the Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034), and the creation of an open-access toolkit for stakeholders. By bridging academic and policy-oriented approaches, EUSTAR will contribute to a more integrated and effective implementation of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy, economic growth, and resilience in the critical domain of space.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
40126 Bologna
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.