A highly symbolic meeting with a clear strategic footprint for the future of Greece in the fields of space, digital technology and European defence was held between Dimitris Papastergiou and the European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius (Andrius Kubilius).
The meeting is part of a broader dialogue on strengthening the role of Greece as a technological and geostrategic hub in Europe, with a particular focus on developments in the space sector and digital infrastructure.
Focus on space policy and national programmes
During the discussions, the course of Greek space policy, with the National Strategy for Space and the National Microsatellite Programme as the main pillars, was examined in detail. Particular reference was made to the actions implemented through the Recovery and Resilience Fund, as well as to critical areas such as telecommunications, unmanned vehicles and quantum communications.
The timing of the meeting is considered particularly symbolic, as it took place a few hours after the launch of the first Greek thermal satellites from California. A step that significantly enhances the country’s capabilities in civil protection and in dealing with the climate crisis.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Telecommunications and Post, Konstantinos Karatzalos.
Greece’s strategic role in Europe
Special emphasis was also placed on the priorities of the upcoming Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the aim of highlighting space as a key pillar for Europe’s strategic autonomy, its technological superiority and the strengthening of its resilience.
The table also addressed issues related to satellitecommunications, Artificial Intelligence, the exploitation of Earth observation data and the development of advanced digital services, as well as the role of Greece as a hub for submarine fibre-optic cables.
“Space is no longer a surplus, but a necessity. It is a critical tool that offers solutions in areas such as security, civil protection and a range of modern applications with a direct impact on the daily lives of citizens. The Commissioner’s visit coincided with the successful launch of six new Greek microsatellites and nanosatellites, which significantly enhance the country’s capabilities, in particular in the field of civil protection. In the context of the meeting, we also discussed issues related to the security of networks and Greece’s strategic role as a hub for the underwater fibre optic cables that ensure Europe’s connectivity with neighbouring continents. Cooperation at European level is crucial to fully exploit the potential of space and digital infrastructure for the benefit of society and the economy,” Papastergios said.
For his part, Kubilius said: “It is particularly positive that Greece has emerged as a digital pioneer, while making significant progress in the space sector in recent years. The development of space capabilities is a crucial factor in strengthening the competitiveness of Greece and Europe, creating new jobs and strengthening European defence preparedness. In this context, the meeting with Minister Dimitris Papastergiou and the visit to the Govsatcom Hub in Athens – one of the two corresponding hubs in Europe – are of particular importance for further strengthening secure European connectivity.”
