In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, the connection between space capabilities and national defence has become increasingly clear. In light of this, waveL communications is pleased to collaborate with the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) to highlight that funding for space initiatives is synonymous with bolstering defence efforts.

This was a key theme during the recent media roundtable titled “The New Bundestag – Germany’s Role in Space in Europe”, which took place in Berlin. The event brought together speakers and participants to explore Europe’s ambition to emerge as a dominant space power, highlighting the pressing need increased funding in Germany and across Europe to maintain global competitiveness. Discussions focussed on enhancing Germany’s space governance, the potential ramifications of a possible Trump 2.0 presidency on transatlantic relations, and the broader economic advantages of space across various industries. Discussions also covered the German space industry’s competitiveness and, most importantly, the crucial role of space in security and defence.

The event included a series of thematic presentations followed by an engaging debate, with contributions from H. Ludwig Moeller (ESPI), Walther Pelzer (Deutsche Raumfahrtagentur im DLR), Juliana Suess (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)), Matthias Johannes Wachter (BDI – Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V.), Marie-Christine von Hahn (BDLI – Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie e.V.), and Klaus Kappen (Rheinmetall), with moderation by Lina Pohl.

Organised in partnership with Deutsche Raumfahrtagentur im DLR, the event served as a valuable platform for in-depth discussions on Europe’s space strategy and its significance for security and technological advancement.