Europe delays space traffic management law

The European Space Law has been delayed, European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton has said.

The proposed law would set rules on space traffic management to ensure the safety of critical space infrastructure. It is expected that the legislation would provide a common framework for security, safety, and sustainability in space, that would ensure a consistent and EU-wide approach.

In her letter of intent of 13 September 2023 to the President of the European Parliament, and to the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen included a proposal on EU space law as one of her key initiatives for 2024. It had been due to be adopted in the first quarter of 2024.

Breton did not announce a new timeline for the legislation, saying only that more time was needed. It is unlikely that any progress will be made until after the European Parliament elections in June.