Future of Space Weather in Europe

By Suzy Bingham & Iulia Chifu  

On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, the European Space Weather Week (ESWW) will host a high-level panel discussion on “The Future of Space Weather in Europe.” The session will bring together leading figures from international agencies, research networks, and European institutions to debate the future course, challenges, and opportunities in space weather. 

Among the confirmed panellists are:

• Mamoru Ishii, Director of the International Space Environment Service (ISES)
• Juha-Pekka Luntama, ESA Space Weather Office
• Stefaan Poedts, E-SWAN
• Thea Dethlefsen, European Commission DEFIS
• Johan Kölher, Swedish National Space Agency

ESWW participants are invited to take part by submitting questions to the panel in advance. Questions can be sent up until 15 October to suzy.bingham[at]metoffice.gov.uk. All submissions will be published in an online forum where participants may vote for their favourites. Voting closes at 13:00 on Tuesday, 28 October. Authors of the top-voted questions will have the chance to ask them directly to the panellists during the live session.

As space weather becomes increasingly critical to the safety of satellites, power grids, and navigation systems, European leaders and experts are advocating for a coordinated, long-term strategy to strengthen resilience and global leadership. Their vision positions Europe as both a self-reliant provider of world-class space weather services and a leading contributor to international efforts aimed at mitigating the risks of space weather hazards - ultimately strengthening global resilience. Below, we share some of their insights on the future of space weather in Europe!

By Suzy Bingham & Iulia Chifu  

The introduction of plenaries showcasing parallel sessions will highlight selected contributions from the parallel programme, with each session featuring two distinguished talks nominated by the conveners. This initiative provides an opportunity for outstanding presentations and their originating sessions to gain broader visibility and recognition, while fostering cross-disciplinary engagement across the ESWW community. Presenting authors will be formally recognised by the Programme Committee and awarded a certificate of distinction.

Navigating New Frontiers: Space Weather in the Arctic and Beyond Earth

By Suzy Bingham & Iulia Chifu  

Two of the plenary sessions in the ESWW schedule are dedicated to key areas shaping the future of space weather. Each will begin with scene-setting talks, designed to frame engaging and thought-provoking panel discussions. On Monday morning, attention will turn to one of the community’s most pressing issues: “Space Weather Challenges in the Arctic.” On Friday, the closing plenary will take us beyond Earth with “Space Weather at the Moon, Mars, and Beyond: Recent Advancements, Observations, and Future Opportunities for Exploration.