EU preparing ‘space shield’ against Russia – draft paper

The EU plans to establish a ‘space shield’ to protect its satellites from Russia, the European Commission has revealed.

The Defense Readiness Roadmap draft unveiled on Thursday describes the project as the EU’s response to the “evolving threat landscape” from a “militarized Russia” and other “authoritarian states,” as the US shifts its focus away from Europe.

Russia has dismissed claims that it poses a threat as “nonsense,” accusing the West of fueling Russophobia to justify increased military spending and distract from domestic problems.

According to the paper, the space shield will be integrated with the EU’s satellite navigation and communications systems. It will focus on space domain awareness, anti-jamming and spoofing, and in-space operations such as refueling, where “Europe has clear shortfalls and dependencies.”

Brussels has not yet disclosed a budget for the initiative or listed member states and industrial partners involved.

The plan follows accusations from the UK, Germany, and France that Russia has stalked or tried to jam their military satellites. Moscow has not yet commented, but has consistently opposed weaponizing space, stressing that its operations comply with international law.

The roadmap builds on the ReArm Europe package, which aims to mobilize up to €800 billion ($933 billion) to expand the EU’s military on the pretext of countering the alleged ‘Russian threat’.

Alongside the space shield, it outlines plans to reinforce the bloc’s eastern border, create a bloc-wide missile defense system, and establish a ‘drone wall’, which was prompted by sightings in several member states that were baselessly blamed on Russia.

The paper also calls Ukraine the EU’s “first line of defense” and pledges “continued support,” despite Moscow’s warnings that foreign military aid only serves to prolong the conflict.

The plan will be discussed at a summit of EU leaders next week. According to the document, the commission hopes to have the roadmap approved by the end of 2025.

Russian officials have condemned the EU’s “rabid militarization,” warning it could derail peace efforts and spark a wider conflict. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said earlier this month that the “hype” around the ‘Russian threat’ is being used by EU countries to justify direct confrontation.