SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, Stoke Space and Starcloud informed French authorities that they have cancelled their participation in the Space Summit organized by President Emmanuel Macron, which is to be held in Paris next week. According to a French Space Ministry official quoted by Politico, it is difficult not to associate these withdrawals with the rumors of pressure that have been circulating in the press.
The decision comes after a White House official pressured American space sector companies not to participate in the meeting, claiming that their presence could be interpreted as support for European Union positions. The American official also criticized the fact that France had not coordinated the summit with the United States, accusing Paris of maintaining "anti-competitive practices" and arguing that the panels did not sufficiently reflect the American perspective.
The summit is taking place at a time when transatlantic ties are weakened due to disagreements over tariff policies, the American military presence in Europe and the unfolding of the conflict in Iran. The poor participation of American companies represents a short-term blow to Macron.
However, several French space sector officials highlighted that this situation should strengthen European efforts to reduce dependence on the United States. A space sector official stated that Europe is diversifying its global partnerships and investing in its own space industry, not as a rupture with the US, but to explore what it can do with other partners.
