Europe will strengthen its autonomy, leadership and sustainability in space following this decision to increase the European Space Agency‘s (ESA) budget by 17%, as compared to the last Ministerial meeting in 2019.
At the ESA Council at Ministerial level held in Paris on November 22nd and 23rd, government ministers representing ESA’s Member States, Associate States and Cooperating States resolved to together strengthen Europe’s space ambitions, ensuring a continuous concerted effort to serve European citizens.
Ministers confirmed that Europe’s independent access to space is crucial to secure the benefits that space brings to life on Earth – including climate change monitoring and mitigation, secure communications and navigation under European control, and rapid and resilient responses to crises.
By committing to future space exploration, Europe has also committed to advancing scientific understanding, fulfilling its potential and retaining its talent for generations to come. ESA is working to ensure that essential space-based services are secure, and that Earth’s orbital space is responsibly managed.
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, said, “When faced with economic hardship, it is important to invest wisely in industries that create jobs and prosperity in Europe. Through this investment, we are building a Europe whose space agenda mirrors its political and future economic strength. We are boosting space in Europe, kicking off a new era of ambition, determination, strength and pride. Climate and sustainability will remain ESA’s highest priority, our science and exploration will inspire the next generation, and we shall build a place where European space entrepreneurs thrive.”
Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in the German government, chaired the ESA Council at Ministerial level and he said, “Today at the ESA Council at the Ministerial level, together with all the Ministers from ESA Member States, we secured a further step to strengthen Europe’s space infrastructure on which every citizen relies every day, ranging from climate monitoring satellites to navigation and telecommunication. We also approved an important set of projects that keep our orbits safe, inspire our young people, offer opportunities for small and large companies to succeed in Europe and further strengthen our reputation as a high-tech region that can attract talent. By acting together, especially in challenging times, we can ensure that Europe remains a leader in science, technology and sustainability.”
