Europe Needs to Compete in Space, Says France's Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the International Space Summit in Paris on Thursday, calling on Europe to do more in space. He said Europe is falling behind the United States and China, and that needs to change. Macron set out a list of goals he wants Europe to reach over the next 10 years. He also urged Europe to stop relying so much on rockets and services from the US and Russia.

Macron outlined three big milestones he wants Europe to hit. First, within two years, he wants a European cargo spacecraft called Nyx to dock with the International Space Station. Then, within five years, he wants a European lunar lander called Argonaut to touch down on the Moon. Finally, within 10 years, he wants to see a crewed European capsule launch from Kourou, carrying European astronauts and others from around the world.

Kourou is a spaceport located in French Guiana, a French territory in South America. It serves as the main launch site for the European Union. Sending astronauts from there would be a historic first for Europe. Right now, Europe has never launched its own crewed mission into space.

The European Space Agency, known as ESA, received a record budget of more than €22 billion in 2025 to fund programs over three years. Even with that funding, ESA has not yet sent people into space on its own. After Macron's speech, ESA's director general Josef Aschbacher asked a pointed question: 'Are we passengers or pilots?' He was challenging Europe to stop depending on others and start leading the way.

Aschbacher said countries around the world are quickly building up their space technology. This includes everything from satellites used for communication and tracking, to spacecraft that can explore the Moon. He warned that Europe's gap with the world's top space powers is growing, both in money spent and in technology developed. He said Europe must be seen as a partner that brings its own skills and tools to the table.

To reach true independence in space, Aschbacher said Europe needs to spend about €1 billion, or around $1.1 billion, every year. That kind of steady investment, he argued, is the only way to close the gap. Without it, Europe risks being left behind as other nations race ahead. Macron agreed, saying Europe's space program is still fragile and must improve quickly.