EU, European Space Agency strengthen partnership

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union (EU) have joined forces to ensure that the people of Europe reap the advantages of space programs.

ESA has played a crucial role in the development of important elements of the EU’s space programs, including the Galileo navigation system and the Copernicus Earth observation satellites.

These projects offer precise global positioning and climate change analysis, respectively.

ESA will play a vital role in the EU’s Iris2 secure connectivity program.

This collaboration is dependent on the unrestricted sharing of information between the ESA and the EU for activities that are sensitive or classified.

The revised agreement follows the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement finalized in 2021.

Massimo Mercati, Head of the ESA Security Office, stated that by signing this agreement on the security and exchange of classified information, ESA is further solidifying its position as a recognized participant in the vital realm of space security.

ESA eagerly anticipated collaborating with the incoming European Commission as an essential and capable ally in pursuing Europe’s space aspirations.