On 25 February 2025, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies conducted a consultative hearing with Prof. Sergio Marchisio in the context of examining the draft law titled “Provisions Relating to the Space Economy”.
Initially proposed by the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and approved by the Council of Ministers on 20 June 2024, the draft law started its legislative procedure in September It was assigned to the X Committee on Production Activities for Referral in October. On 6 March 2025, the Chamber of Deputies passed the draft law, which will proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.
During his intervention, Marchisio emphasized that the primary objective of the draft law was to implement Italy’s obligations under international space treaties. Beyond this foundational goal, the legislation also aims to enhance national competitiveness, foster scientific research, promote emerging technologies, and regulate private sector activities in space.
He discussed key aspects of the draft law, namely establishing an authorization regime for private operators, the financial liability framework for space-related damages, and the registration of space objects, highlighting positive features and potential shortcomings. He also recalled Italy’s historic launch of the San Marco 1 satellite in 1964, underscoring the nation’s longstanding commitment to the international law of outer space activities.
He then further discussed the bill and other matters of international, European, and national space law with Deputies who intervened in the discussion, including industrial and technological developments in the field, Europe’s space launcher capabilities, sustainability and safety concerns in space activities, Italy’s active role in the global space ecosystem and in new legal frameworks.
The hearing underscored the importance of establishing a comprehensive and forward-looking legal framework for Italy’s space sector. Marchisio expressed hope that the legislation would be both flexible and business-friendly to support the growth of Italy’s space industry while ensuring compliance with international principles and norms.
Watch the full hearing here!
Read Sergio Marchisio’s brief filed with the Chamber here.
