"Autonomy" has for a long time been a or even the key concept for the European space policy. While there always have been debates and struggles about programmes and projects, the idea of an autonomous access to space through Ariane and autonomous capacities and capabilities in outer space for selected areas has been an accepted policy approach.But what does "autonomy" exactly encompass? Which areas are to be selected for "autonomy in space"? Or shall we aim at a full and complete autonomy? Is "autonomy" still possible in the globalised world? Can we then only aim at "non- dependence" or have to accept "inter- dependence"?The objective of this conference is to explore for the first time the subject of European autonomy in space in a two-fold way: how does "autonomy" in space compare with other European policy areas and what will European "autonomy" (or "non-dependence") in space actually comprise in concrete terms? For this purpose, experts from the space community will engage in debates with representatives from other policy areas in order to shape an understanding on which way Europe should take.