EU prepares to favour European satellite services over Musk's Starlink

The European Commission is preparing a decision that would prioritise European satellite companies and limit Starlink's expansion across Europe. The move is aimed at strengthening European technological independence and defence capabilities.

The European Commission is drawing up a decision that would give preference to European satellite service providers and restrict the further expansion of Elon Musk's Starlink network across the continent, according to sources familiar with the plans.

The initiative is part of a broader push by Brussels to reduce Europe's reliance on non-European technology providers, particularly in strategically sensitive sectors such as communications and defence infrastructure. Satellite connectivity has grown increasingly critical for both civilian and military operations, a reality underscored by Starlink's prominent role in the conflict in Ukraine.

## Why Starlink Is in the Crosshairs

Starlink, operated by Musk's SpaceX, has rapidly become one of the dominant providers of satellite internet services globally, including in several EU member states. However, concerns have mounted in European capitals over the geopolitical risks of depending on a single non-European provider for critical communications infrastructure — especially given the unpredictable political stances of Starlink's owner.

The European Commission's expected decision would likely favour competitors such as Eutelsat and the EU's own IRIS² satellite constellation programme, which is still under development. IRIS² is intended to provide secure connectivity for governments and emergency services across Europe.

## A Broader Push for Tech Sovereignty

This satellite policy move fits into a wider European strategy to build technological sovereignty in areas ranging from semiconductors to cloud computing. EU officials have repeatedly stressed the need to develop homegrown alternatives to dominant American and Chinese platforms. By steering public contracts and regulatory frameworks toward European providers, Brussels aims to both stimulate the continent's space industry and reduce strategic vulnerabilities in its communications network.