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Council calls for a better use of space data to enhance crisis management

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU
Press release
23 May 2025 15:20

The Council has today approved conclusions on the use of satellite data, in particular from Earth observation constellations, for civil protection and crisis management. The conclusions underline the importance of Earth observation and other space data for resilience and crisis preparedness, underline the need for enhanced cooperation and use of all available satellite data - public, private, and commercial - to better address climate change, disasters, and crises impacting European and global security, call for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies for better data processing and recommend security measures against possible threats (such as cyber-attacks).

Space technology is becoming an important pillar of Europe's security - especially in anticipating threats and managing crises effectively. Ensuring real-time, secure, and reliable access to satellite data is essential. Europe has the potential to be a hub for innovation - bringing together cutting-edge companies, start-ups, academic institutions, and a modern, committed public administration. By fostering collaboration, we can create the conditions for stronger security and technological leadership.

- Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology

The critical importance of space data

The Council conclusions underline the vast potential of space data, in particular from various Earth observation satellites, such as Copernicus, the Earth observation component of the EU's Space programme, for increasing resilience and for crisis management. The EU's capabilities can be further developed through member states and industry cooperation, better data processing, and the use of AI applications for enhancing threat prediction and for crisis management (including supporting decision-making).

Better resilience and preparedness

According to the conclusions approved today, quality satellite data help member states identify threats and respond to situations such as natural disasters, environmental hazards and public health threats. The crisis prevention and response capabilities of the member states can be further enhanced through better coordination of the various data sources. Space data can help identify future risks, such as pollution, floods, wildfires, degradation of land and natural resources, irregular migration flows, etc.

AI for better space data analysis

The conclusions recognise that for the treatment of the vast amount of Earth observation space data, AI can play a crucial role in identifying patterns and anomalies, integrating high altitude imagery and developing modelling systems. The Commission, together with the relevant European and international bodies, can support member states to process and distribute this data to inform their decision-making in case of crisis. The conclusions underline that implementation of the existing AI regulatory framework (such as the AI act) is necessary to and to the integrity of data used for crisis management.

The way forward

The conclusions make several recommendations for improving the use of satellite data in the future. For instance, they call for the integration of new and existing systems, the interoperability of infrastructures, the use of common standards and the support initiatives for the harmonisation of procedures. The Council also stresses the importance of protecting satellite data collection, in particular against cyber threats, and the need to take measures to reinforce the security of both data and infrastructure. The conclusions underline the importance of research and development on data processing and AI, on the use of existing and future infrastructures to support operators, in particular SMEs, and on the use of Earth observation data in new applications. Cooperation between administrations, academia and industry will be particularly important in this context.

Finally, the conclusions encourage the Commission and the member states to improve resilience and crisis preparedness by using well-coordinated and interoperable resources, by integrating AI into data analysis and by providing strong cybersecurity protection for data and infrastructure.

Background

The Council has approved several sets of important conclusions on the contribution of the space sector to reaching EU policy objectives. The 2021 conclusions on 'new space for people' highlighted the potential of high-resolution data and AI for improving Earth observation for non-technical uses. In 2022, the Council emphasised the importance of Earth observation data for EU security and resilience, in its conclusions on 'Copernicus by 2035', and advocated for the use of space data in supporting the green and digital transitions. In 2023 the Council approved conclusions on integrating space into security and defence strategies, and on the possible development of a new Earth observation service. In 2024, the Council underlined space's growing role in addressing socio-economic challenges, particularly climate change. Lastly, in 2024, in its conclusions on the interim evaluation of the EU Space Programme, the Council emphasised the need to protect critical space infrastructure against increasing cybersecurity threats.