European nations are growing increasingly concerned about the potential threat posed by Russian activities in space, prompting a push to strengthen their own defense systems in this domain. The tensions began to escalate significantly in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Alongside conventional military operations, reports suggest that Russian forces also targeted space assets, including a cyberattack on the KA-SAT satellite network, which disrupted communications at the start of the war. This is not the first time Russian actions in space have raised concerns; in 2017, then-French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly criticized a Russian attempt to spy on a Franco-Italian military communications satellite. At a major space summit held in Paris in September, the need to protect European interests in space was a central topic. In 2022 alone, the 27 European Union member states reported over 150 incidents of satellite interference, such as hacking and signal jamming. One notable event occurred in late 2021 when Russia destroyed a defunct satellite, generating debris that forced astronauts aboard the International Space Station to take shelter. While Russian actions in space are well-documented, attributing specific attacks can be complex. European officials believe that Moscow may be testing the unity of NATO in space, highlighting the growing importance of developing robust defense systems. Space is increasingly viewed as a contested arena where adversaries could target European systems. European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, emphasized that threats are already present, citing interference with the Galileo satellite navigation system. General Fabien Mandon, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, noted that France has observed numerous hostile actions in space, warning of severe consequences if conflicts in this domain escalate. Concerns have also been raised about the potential targeting of Galileo, which was originally designed for peaceful use but now requires enhanced resilience against jamming and other threats. To bolster its space capabilities, the European Union has launched several key programs, including the Iris² initiative, which aims to create an independent, high-speed satellite communication system. This program involves a multi-orbit satellite constellation, with the first launches expected in 2029 and full operational capacity by 2032. However, Europe faces challenges in developing its own launch capabilities, with officials noting a potential gap in the number of available launch vehicles. This concern is shared by the European Space Agency and military leaders. At the conclusion of the Paris space summit, major European space powers, including France, signed a declaration urging the EU to commit to a comprehensive European space policy focused on technological independence, security, and industrial strength. However, the declaration did not gain universal support, as Finland, Estonia, Austria, and Romania were not included in the final document.