Defence Industry and Space

Responsibilities

The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) leads the European Commission’s activities in the European defence industry and European space sectors.

DG DEFIS implements the Union’s Space Programme and ensures an innovative, and competitive defence industry.

DG DEFIS' role in the European Defence industry

The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) is the European Commission's department tasked with strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the European Defence industry by ensuring the evolution of an able European defence technological and industrial base.

To do so, we enable investments to support defence supply chains, with a special attention on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We also facilitate their involvement in cross-border partnerships through various tools such as the European Defence Fund (EDF).

Our work is guided by the recently published European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and is implemented through a set of programmes and initiatives.

DG DEFIS' role in Space

The Commission's Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) plays a pivotal role in the European Union Space Programme. Its activities include assessing current trends, identifying emerging challenges, and ensuring that the objectives of the Space Programme are aligned with broader EU priorities such as innovation, economic growth, and security.

DG DEFIS plays a crucial role in developing and enforcing the regulatory frameworks that govern space activities within the EU. This includes ensuring compliance with international treaties, licensing procedures, safety standards, and safeguarding security interests to promote responsible behaviour in space. 

DG DEFIS also actively supports the growth and competitiveness of the European space industry. It does this by providing targeted incentives (with a special focus on SMEs), fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, promoting technology transfers, and facilitating access to finance and markets. Furthermore, DG DEFIS seeks to enhance Europe's global influence by leveraging its resources and engaging with strategic stakeholders, partners and international organisations in international fora, where it promotes peaceful collaboration in the space domain.

Defence Industry and Space website

As part of the Commission's commitment to transparency, Commission staff holding management functions publish information on and minutes of all meetings they hold with interest representatives.