GSOA WELCOMES MARIO DRAGHI’S REPORT ON EUROPEAN COMPETITIVENESS

20 September 2024, Brussels – GSOA expresses its overall support to Mario Draghi’s recently published report, “The Future of European Competitiveness,” by the European Commission. This comprehensive document outlines key drivers for reinvigorating EU leadership in an evolving global landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Support for Innovation: GSOA fully endorses the need to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe, addressing critical gaps in Digitalisation & Advanced Technologies and the Space & Satellite Industries.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • A clear strategy and appropriate funding are essential for deploying high-speed broadband networks that are inclusive across all EU territories.
  • Streamlining regulations on the licensing of networks and services is crucial for this development.
• Business-Friendly Environment:
  • Recommendations such as introducing ‘passporting’ for B2B services and simplifying cybersecurity regulations are welcomed, as they can enhance the EU’s digital agenda.
• Strengthening the Space Sector:
  • The report highlights the need for improved coordination in EU research and innovation.
  • GSOA calls for effective and competitive launchers for satellite operators.
  • Caution is advised regarding the proposed EU Space Law to ensure it considers the global nature of satellite systems.
• Concerns Over Satellite Industry Analysis:
  • GSOA is cautious about the report’s analysis of the European satellite industry, in particular with regard to comparisons with non-EU competitors.
  • European satellite players have long provided advanced SatCom systems and secure networks to private users, enterprises and governments in Europe, and many GSOA members have been pioneers in the deployment of satellite connectivity solutions worldwide.
• Spectrum Licensing:
  • GSOA continues to question the need for harmonizing EU-wide spectrum licensing rules for satellites, although the confirmation and binding effect of CEPT (Conference Europeenne des Postes et Telecoms) deliverables within the EU are generally welcomed.

GSOA looks forward to a constructive and continued dialogue with the European Commission and key stakeholders to ensure that the recommendations in the report support the growth and competitiveness of the European satellite sector in the most efficient manner.