On Friday, 29 May, the #6 Hybrid Dialogue for Space will bring together experts and young professionals to explore one of the most pressing questions for Europe’s future: How can the EU move from strategic ambition to real capability in space and defence?
As Europe continues to navigate geopolitical uncertainty, technological competition, and economic dependencies, the concept of Strategic Autonomy is becoming increasingly concrete. It is no longer only a ‘policy’ direction, but a practical framework influencing decisions around economic security, critical infrastructure, and technological sovereignty.
Within this context, SPACE plays a central role.
Satellite communications, Earth observation, navigation systems, cybersecurity, and dual-use technologies form essential building blocks of Europe’s resilience and its ability to act independently in a rapidly changing world.
Organised by Dialogue for Space, in collaboration with NLR and CGI, SpaceNed (Young Professionals Network), this edition creates a dialogue where policy, industry, and emerging talent come together to connect strategic ambition with operational reality.
The Dialogue will focus on:
✦ Translating EU Strategic Autonomy into capability in Space and Defence
✦ Economic Security and Strategic Dependencies
✦ Technological Sovereignty and Dual-use Innovation
✦ Resilient and Secure Space Infrastructure (Space Assets)
✦ Europe’s future Capabilities in Space.
Speakers:
★ Oana van der Togt: Senior Business Development Executive specialising in the space, defence, and government markets, with extensive experience in strategic partnerships across the ESA, EU, and Ministry of Defence ecosystem. She has played a key role in building and scaling high-performing commercial teams within the aerospace sector and is recognised as part of SER Topwomen and as an Inspiring Fifty Benelux+ Award Winner for her contribution to innovation, leadership, and the European technology ecosystem.
★ Nick Poelstra: System Validation Engineer at ESA ESTEC (CGI), contributing to Europe’s EGNOS and Galileo programmes. He is also co-host of the BNR Space Cowboys Podcast and board member of SpaceNed Young Professionals.
★ Carlijn Veldhuis: Business Development Manager at NLR, active in space and exploration, combining her background in Astronomy with European space strategy through ESRE (the Association of the European Space Research Establishments).
Collaborating Partners:
★ Stijn Lafontaine: Winner of the EUDIS NL Hackathon 2026 (Arqus Aerospace), representing a new generation of European innovators who move from ideas to implementation in fast-paced, challenge-driven environments. As an engineer and builder in the space and defence innovation space, he reflects the growing importance of “dreamers, doers, and innovators” who translate technical curiosity into tangible prototypes and solutions.
The different trajectories highlight a broader strategic question for Europe’s innovation ecosystem: how do (defence) investors and institutions such as NLR scout talent, through challenge-based formats such as hackathons, innovation programs, contribute to validating and accelerating Europe’s strategic ambitions in space and beyond, by strengthening the pathway from talent to capability?
This raises a wider point for policymakers, industry, and ecosystem builders: How do we ensure that the right mechanisms are in place to identify, support, and scale this type of talent across Europe?
Curious to engage in this timely and prominent dialogue? Join us during the next edition of the Hybrid Dialogue for Space and connect with the growing European community shaping the future of EU space and defence capabilities.
The Hybrid Dialogue for Space series continues to provide a platform where policy, industry, research, and emerging professionals engage in meaningful exchange on Europe’s role in space. Together with our strategic partner, NL Space Campus, Dialogue for Space aims to strengthen collaboration across the Dutch and European space ecosystem by connecting knowledge, industry, government, and talent. 
What capabilities will Europe need to turn strategic autonomy in space into reality?
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