GIFAS-BDLI-AIAD Joint Statement On the future of the European Space Industry

GIFAS (the French aerospace and space industries association), BDLI (the German aerospace industries association) and AIAD (the Italian Industries Federation for aerospace, defence and security) have built, over many years, a close and constructive partnership in support of a strong European aerospace, space and defence industrial base. This cooperation is regularly reaffirmed, including through agreements and joint initiatives between our associations committing to intensify cooperation, facilitating exchanges among our member companies and, where appropriate, coordinating advocacy at EU level. 

On the occasion of the International Space Summit held in Paris on the 9th and 10th of September 2026, GIFAS, BDLI and AIAD wish to send a joint message of unity: Europe's space ambitions can only be achieved if France, Germany and Italy continue to act together, and if the entire European space ecosystem, from established flagship programmes to emerging capabilities, is given the conditions to grow with confidence. The coming years will be decisive, as key frameworks such as the European Competitiveness Fund and the EU Space Act, together with the next Multiannual Financial Framework, will shape the conditions under which our industries operate for a generation. 

In this context, GIFAS, BDLI and AIAD wish to highlight the following priorities for European policymakers: 

➢ Space as critical infrastructure GIFAS, BDLI and AIAD call on European policymakers to recognise space fully as a critical infrastructure and a pillar of European sovereignty. 

➢ A dedicated budget of at least €60 billion GIFAS, BDLI and AIAD jointly call for a dedicated and ambitious budget of at least €60 billion for the space component of the European Competitiveness Fund, to finance both flagship programmes and the industrial value chain that underpins them. This level of investment is the condition for recognition of space as critical infrastructure to translate into real industrial capacity and strategic autonomy. 

➢ European preference for critical activities For critical activities and technologies underpinning European strategic autonomy, GIFAS, BDLI and AIAD support the introduction of a European preference in institutional procurement, applied where security, resilience and dependency concerns warrant it. European preference should not lead to the automatic exclusion of trusted third-country partners as long as the design authority remains under European control. While respecting those principles, cooperation with trusted third-country partners should remain possible where it strengthens European capabilities, interoperability, security of supply and reciprocal market access.

➢ Interoperability and complementarity Where appropriate, Member States should promote interoperability and voluntary coordination of national and European capabilities, including compatibility with trusted and like-minded third-country partners, while preserving competition, technological choice and necessary redundancy. 

➢ Proportionate regulation At the same time, the regulatory framework taking shape must remain proportionate and innovation-friendly, so that it strengthens the competitiveness of European industry rather than adding unnecessary burden. What Europe needs now, more than any single instrument, is a shared sense of ambition and direction. 

GIFAS, BDLI and AIAD stand ready to support European institutions and Member States in building a sovereign, competitive, resilient and sustainable European space sector, backed by the same level of political ambition. 

GIFAS – Founded in 1908, GIFAS is the association representing the French aerospace industry, a cohesive, dynamic, high-tech sector specializing in the design, development, construction, marketing, and maintenance of all civil and military aeronautical and space programs and equipment, as well as defence and security systems. GIFAS brings together 546 companies, ranging from major contractors and systems integrators to SMEs and startups. The sector directly employs more than 220,000 people and is the leading contributor to France's trade balance. 

BDLI – The German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) represents the interests of its more than 300 member companies, which generate annual revenue of approximately 62 billion and directly employ 130,000 people. It is a member of the European Aerospace and Defense Industries Association (ASD) and the Federation of German Industries (BDI). The association is the trademark owner and co-organizer of ILA Berlin, one of the world’s leading aerospace exhibitions. AIAD – Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence and Security is the national association representing the Italian aerospace, defence and security industry. 

AIAD brings together over 250 companies, including the major industrial players, SMEs and start-ups, as well as two national industry associations. Its members operate across a broad range of sectors, including aerospace, defence, security, space, naval systems, electronics, ICT, advanced manufacturing and related technologies and services. AIAD represents and promotes the interests of Italian industry at national, European and international level, fostering innovation, competitiveness, industrial cooperation and dialogue with institutions and international partners.