Germany and France top Europe’s civilian space budgets as the U.S. dominates private investment
A new OECD analysis shows Germany and France leading civilian space spending in Europe, while the continent lags far behind the United States in private funding and launch activity.
The OECD’s latest review places Germany and France at the forefront of civilian space financing in Europe, with Germany earmarking around €2.5 billion for 2025 and France close behind at €2.4 billion. Italy’s budget, now near €2 billion, reflects a fifteen-year doubling and positions the country second in Europe by spending per GDP, after Luxembourg. Defence spending is also rising sharply; Germany intends to invest €35 billion in space-related defence capabilities by 2030.
Britain still holds the largest European satellite fleet, with 757 satellites, most of which are privately owned, while France, Italy and Germany maintain far smaller constellations. Private capital remains heavily skewed toward the United States, which attracted 67 % of global space investment and launched 181 missions in 2025, far outpacing Europe’s eight launches and China’s 92.
Why it matters
The funding gap highlights Europe’s challenge to compete in the fast-growing commercial space sector.
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