Ensuring Security and Rule of Law Through Outer Space
The Impact of Copernicus on European Union External Actions, Citizen Protection, and International Peace
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55073/2025.2.145-166Keywords:
space law, rule of law, human rights, European Union’s external and security actions, Earth ObservationAbstract
How does Outer Space contribute to peace, security, and the rule of law? Outer Space profoundly influences essential domains such as navigation, environmental surveillance, communication, and most importantly, security and defence. Therefore, satellites are crucial for detecting terrestrial and aerial dangers, evaluating conditions on Earth, and enabling crisis interventions.[1]
As a significant player in the global space domain, equipped with the world’s most advanced Earth Observation system (Copernicus), the European Union (EU) holds both the opportunity and responsibility to utilise space-based capabilities to safeguard human rights and security, not only across member states but also globally. By taking these actions, the EU can foster a more secure and stable world and reinforce fundamental rights and freedoms.
Therefore, this study explores the connection between security and protection of human rights within the EU framework and examines the international regulations connected to Outer Space, Earth Observation, and security challenges, focusing on the impact of the Copernicus programme on the EU’s External and Security Actions, and its role in protecting human rights and maintaining peace inside and outside EU borders from Outer Space.
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