The new entity, Bromo, is expected to employ 25,000 people across Europe.

As space increasingly becomes a matter of sovereignty, participants emphasized that this project signals Europe’s choice for cooperation over internal competition. At the same time, they warned that expected synergies must not come at the expense of workers. With the space economy booming, this initiative should be a driver of growth and development—for both the industry and its workforce.

Key Demands from Trade Unions

Unions called on the management of the three companies to:

  • Prevent plant closures and redundancies. Space is an industry of the future, and growing European demand should translate into investment in jobs and technology.
  • Maintain existing terms and conditions for workers transferred to the new entity, including all collective agreements.
  • Guarantee full information and consultation rights for workers’ representatives at every stage of the project and at all levels.

Fundamental Guarantees Required

Trade unions insist on rapid commitments from the companies to protect employees and secure Europe’s space industry. The following points are critical:

  1. Job Protection: No coercive measures or compulsory redundancies. Growth depends on job security and full workforce potential.
  2. Safeguarding Space Sites: Sites and employees must be protected and strengthened, with a clear pledge to continue space activities at existing locations.
  3. Securing Technologies: As a European project, cooperation must be beneficial for all while national technologies are clearly defined and safeguarded.
  4. Continuity of Rights: Information and consultation rights must remain in place until new representative structures are established.

Next steps

The operation, expected to be finalized in 2027, is pending approval from EU Antitrust Authorities. It will serve as a test case for the European Commission, demonstrating its ability to defend European industrial ambitions and sovereignty in the strategic space sector.
Participants agreed to continue sharing information and further developing the joint strategy to protect the interests of all Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales employees.

IndustriAll Europe will remain vigilant to ensure this is a growth project—securing quality jobs, production sites, and future-proof investments. Transparency and consultation are essential for success: workers must be on board every step of the way.