Finnish space seminar in Brussels on 11 June 2024

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Permanent representation of Finland to the EU organised together a space-related seminar in Brussels on 11 June 2024.

The event was opened by Permanent Secretary Timo Jaatinen, who highlighted the importance of space technology for society and the competitiveness of Europe as a whole. He also stressed the growing importance of space for security and defence.

In the following keynote speeches, Tero Vihavainen mirrored the national space strategy currently under preparation to address changes in the international operating environment, and Hanna Viitala told about Finnish innovation activities and the Digital Resilience Programme launched by Business Finland, which supports innovations and the internationalisation of companies also in the space sector.

Guillaume de la Brosse from the European Commission described how the EU faces the challenges of space activities. Three key priorities that will be taken into account in the implementation of the EU Space Programme are preparedness, security & resilience and competitiveness.

The event was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Maija Lönnqvist. The panel was attended by Tuomas Tikka (Kuva Space Oy), Joost Elstak (ICEYE Oy), Minna Palmroth (University of Helsinki) and Jenni Tapio (European Space Agency ESA). They discussed different perspectives on the EU's space activities, building competitiveness and the principles of sustainable use of space.

The event was interesting and attracted a wide audience of representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, ESA, the different Member States and the private sector.

1. Guillaume de la Brosse/European Commission - 2. The panelists - 
3. Audience - 4. Timo Jaatinen/Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment