With a budget worth 6bn euros, the plan comes as a response to growing concerns over Russian and Chinese military advances in outer space and a surge in satellite launches.
A growing number of commercial operators have plans to launch thousands of satellites to supply global space-based wi-fi and have contributed to a fast-growing satellite population as well as creating issues around the management of space debris.
"Our new connectivity infrastructure will deliver high-speed internet access, serve as a back-up to our current internet infrastructure, increase our resilience and cyber security, and provide connectivity to the whole of Europe and Africa," explained EU industry chief Thierry Breton.
To be launched next year, the EU proposal aims to build and operate a space-based state-of-the-art connectivity system, help to counter cyber and electromagnetic threats and improve the resilience of EU telecommunication infrastructures.
