Bromo on the launch pad: no success without workers on board

On 23 October, Airbus, Leonardo and Thales finally reached an agreement to combine their space activities. According to the companies’ press release, the new entity – Bromo – “will strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, a major sector that underpins critical infrastructure and services related to telecommunications, global navigation, earth observation, science, exploration and national security”.

Airbus will own 35% of the newly formed company, while Leonardo and Thales will each own 32.5%. Around 25,000 people across Europe could be employed as a result of this joint venture.

The deal, scheduled to be finalised in 2027, is pending approval from the EU Antitrust Authority. It will be a test case for the European Commission’s flexibility when it comes to applying merger rules while taking into account the European Union’s industrial ambitions. 

“While space is becoming a matter of sovereignty, it is a good thing that Europe chose cooperation over internal competition. This is why workers and their representatives will not accept that this project leads to job reductions or a plant closure. 

“This must be a renewed opportunity for growth and development for both the industry and its workforce. Skills and know-how are an added value for this project. They should be valued not wasted. It starts with the full involvement of workers and their representatives from the onset of the project, and at all levels”, said Isabelle Barthès.

“IndustriAll Europe will remain very vigilant to ensure that this is a growth project, securing quality jobs and production sites and future-proof investments. Information and consultation must start now, at all levels. This project can only be a success with workers on board”, added Isabelle Barthès.