Margarita Robles: "In these difficult times, both Spain and France are committed to peace throughout the world"

Space security and defence, alongside space regulation and governance, as well as the associated economy and the job creation, are issues being addressed, today and tomorrow at the International Space Summit being held in Paris, the opening ceremony of which was attended by the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles.

The space ecosystem has become another crucial arena that cannot be overlooked; it is a key service provider upon which 10% of the GDP of developed economies now depends.

Spain has the tools and structures in place to understand and protect space. A prime example is MESPA (Space Command), which also comprises the Centre for Aerospace Observation Systems (CESAEROB) and the Space Surveillance Operations Centre (COVE). These units provide a comprehensive overview of the space environment, enabling the detection and cataloguing of threats - ultimately allowing for the protection of national interests and the safe utilisation of space as an operational domain.

Ahead of the Summit, Robles held a meeting with her French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, during which both praised Spain and France's commitment to peace and to promoting and revitalising national and European industry.

"We will continue to work day in, day out to contribute to peace and enhance our international standing," said Robles, who also emphasised our country's firm commitment to IRIS2, the European Union's strategic initiative to strengthen secure government connectivity, communications resilience and European technological autonomy.

Spain's involvement also presents an opportunity to drive innovation, economic growth and the country's industrial and technological base.

Non official translation