The future of the European Union in space
06/02/2026What role will the European Union play in space in the future? The 31st Europarechtstage organised by the Faculty of Law at the University of Würzburg will examine this question. They will take place on 15 and 16 June.
The Würzburg Europarechtstage have a long tradition dating back to 1991. In addition to lawyers from the judiciary, administration and academia, numerous students are always among the participants.
The 31st Europarechtstage will take place on Monday and Tuesday, 15 and 16 June 2026, in the Neubaukirche of the Old University, Domerschulstraße 16. The motto of the conference is: "The European Union in Outer Space".
Economic and power-political competition in space
Background: Governments, companies and research institutions are increasingly focussing their attention on space. It promises sources of economic growth, advances in artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical research and communication services.
Influence in space is synonymous with economic and political power, so competition for control of space resources is intensifying. The European Union (EU) faces the challenge of developing an independent space policy and harmonising it with the goals of sustainability, autonomy and resilience.
Topics of the European Law Days
At the beginning of the conference, a public keynote speech and a panel discussion will show how today's challenges can be categorised in the historical context of space exploration during the Cold War. Other panels will focus on the use of satellite mega-constellations and the militarisation of space.
The embedding of space activities in the EU defence strategy will also be discussed. How scientific expertise can guide the management of space as a global common good is also a topic.
Organiser and registration
The JMU Chair of Public Law and International Economic Law, headed by Professor Isabel Feichtner, is organising the Europarechtstage 2026. All interested parties are invited to attend.
Further information on the programme and free registration can be found on the website.
Contact
Organising team of the Chair of Public Law and International Economic Law, europarechtstage@jura.uni-wuerzburg.de
