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make sure that the process is kept transparent and inclusive to ensure as
much support as possible.
It is obvious that ICoC will not be able to fully address the challenges the
international community is facing in space. It cannot replace negotiated
treaties that explicitly ban certain damaging actions in outer space. As a
voluntary code, it cannot be enforced or monitored very efficiently. There are
some concerns that an ICoC will not be able to prevent further anti-satellite
tests in outer space, or other worrying developments. The process of
finalising ICoC must take these concerns into consideration.
The Code might not be able to solve all the challenges we are facing in space,
but it is an achievable goal that can create room needed for the international
community, consisting of a broad and diverse group of stakeholders, to start
addressing this issue seriously.
Despite the many challenges, the process around ICoC has been a welcome
contribution to understanding the complex environment that is outer space
and kick-start discussions on how to keep it safe and secure. The multilateral
consultations have encouraged governments to address the issue and build
capacity amongst emerging space actors to participate actively in the
discussions. In addition, it has the potential to stimulate other discussions in
other forums, like discussions around a treaty preventing the placement of
weapons in outer space (PPWT). The value of political processes is not
limited to the text agreed upon at the end. A political process is also a part of
a bigger movement on the issue, where consultations and negotiations in
themselves can be confidence building, increase transparency and have a
positive impact on a much wider spectrum of issues than the topic of the
process. A political process will also automatically raise the issue on internal
agendas and be given more attention and resources. A political process that
includes emerging actors will be more likely to achieve this kind of success.
By working together in a smaller group of states, the EU has contributed to a
very valuable multilateral process, as it has the potential to provide a starting
platform for discussions on how we protect space for future generations to
use peacefully.
124 | Awaiting Launch: Perspectives on the Draft ICoC for Outer Space Activities