Bremen (TDI): European nations have agreed to increase funding for space programs over the next three years, approving a 22.1€ billion budget that officials say marks a renewed attempt to close the gap with global competitors.
The decision was discussed at the European Space Agency (ESA) ministerial council meeting in Bremen, where representatives from 23 member states spent two days negotiating contributions for 2025-27.
As an intergovernmental agency, ESA’s mandatory scientific programs are funded according to the economic size of each member state.
Beyond that, the agency relies on additional voluntary contributions for launcher development and satellite programs, negotiated every three years at ministerial sessions.
Decisions made at these sessions shape the direction of Europe’s space sector, setting priorities for the space sector and supporting emerging private launch companies.
The new budget represents a roughly 30% increase from the €16.9 billion allocated for 2023-2025 and more importantly, it matches the ESA’s request for the first time in its 50-year history.
After the proceedings, Director General Josef Aschbacher, said “I think the message that Europe must catch up and get involved in order to literally give wings to Europe’s future through space travel was taken very seriously by our ministers,” noting that the agency struggled a lot to secure funds necessary to keep pace with the private sector, China and the United States.
Read More: UK Strengthens Satellite Defense Amid Growing Space Threats
Since the war in Ukraine, European governments have been more vocal about reducing reliance on the United States’ security structure and space infrastructure.
Similarly, European space companies have warned that chronic underinvestment risk keeps pushing the continent further behind its competitors.
The triennial meeting was held against the backdrop of a budget crisis in France, which is home to ESA’s primary spaceport in Guiana. The new budget excludes the UK-led TRUTHS climate satellite mission.
Under the agreement, €4.4 billion will go to space transportation, a 20% increase over the previous period. Up to 16% more will be allocated to earth observation programs.
The budget also lays the groundwork for potential European participants in NASA’s Artemis lunar missions. Aschbacher said “I have decided that the first Europeans to fly on a lunar mission will be ESA astronauts of German, French and Italian nationality.”
Beyond exploration, ESA is also expanding partnerships, having signed a letter of intent with Norway to develop a new Arctic Space Centre in Tromsø, citing the region’s growing economy, ecosystem and geopolitical significance.
Tayyaba Arif
Tayyaba Arif is a student of International Relations, and takes keen interest in conflict reporting and the dynamics of regional and global affairs. She is especially committed to SDG 17, and believes in effective partnerships and promoting cooperative initiatives. She can be reached at tayyabarrif0@gmail.com
