EU MP's Criticism of 'Project Bromo' to von der Leyen

According to Politico, Yon-Courtin described the EU Commission President's support for the joint venture called "Project Bromo" planned to be established between Airbus, Leonardo and Thales as "abuse of authority".

Arguing that open support at the political level for a project that has not yet been examined by the Commission's competition unit may overshadow the independent evaluation process, French MEP Yon-Courtin said, "If the President of the Commission makes a unilateral decision on a file, what is the function of Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera and the General Directorate of Competition?" he asked.

The EU sees space technologies as one of the fundamental elements of security, defense and strategic autonomy due to increasing geopolitical tensions in recent years and dependence on US-based satellite systems.

The creation of a separate portfolio responsible for defense and space in Von der Leyen's second-term Commission, which takes office in December 2024, stands out as one of the indicators of the strategic importance the EU attaches to this field.

The project in question aims to create a stronger European actor, especially against the Starlink network of US-based SpaceX.

The initiative is of strategic importance for the EU's goals of reducing foreign dependency in the field of space, strengthening secure satellite communication capacity and creating large European companies that can compete with global competitors.

In her speech at the International Space Summit in Paris on September 10, von der Leyen said she saw the initiative as one of the kind of "industrial champions" Europe needs to become a leader in the future space economy.

On the other hand, within the scope of EU competition rules, the Commission is required to examine whether such large-scale mergers and joint ventures will reduce competition in the market and the possible effects on consumers and innovation.