EU in talks with partners to clear satellite project under competition rules

BRUSSELS: The European Union is in talks with partner companies Leonardo SpA, Airbus SE and Thales SA to secure early approval under competition rules for its satellite project. The project is meant to reduce dependence on the American satellite company SpaceX.

According to international media reports, Bloomberg, citing an official familiar with the matter, said the project is seen by the EU as an alternative to SpaceX.

The report said talks over the past year have focused on identifying competition concerns about the project and addressing them. The aim is to resolve possible problems before a formal application for approval is filed.

The official said the companies concerned have not yet submitted an application. However, EU officials expect them to do so in the next few weeks.

The project, known as “Project Bromo”, has been described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as a possible European champion. It aims to set up a company that can help Europe reduce its reliance on American satellite providers, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX.