ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher highlighted Europe’s achievements in space during 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between ESA, the European Commission, Member States, and industry. He noted record funding at ESA’s Ministerial Council 2025 (€22.3 billion), which enables continued access to space via Ariane 6 and Vega-C, global leadership in Earth observation and navigation, and the acceleration of secure connectivity, space science, and technology development.
A key focus was Copernicus, Europe’s Earth observation programme, which remains central to environmental monitoring, security, and strategic autonomy. Copernicus, alongside Galileo and other ESA missions, exemplifies Europe’s integrated approach to space, combining technical excellence with societal impact.
Looking ahead, 2026 will see 65 missions launched, including ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot to the ISS, and the European Service Module powering Artemis II around the Moon. The ERS (European Resilience from Space) programme will further strengthen security and defence.
Aschbacher stressed three priorities for Europe to remain competitive:
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Quantum leaps in innovation and industrial scale-up (from satellites to advanced materials and AI applications in space).
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De-bureaucratisation, simplifying European processes and improving cooperation between ESA, the EU, and national programmes.
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Sufficient, coordinated funding, including strong support from the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, to maintain Europe’s share in the rapidly growing global space economy.
He concluded that space is both strategic and inspirational: it strengthens Europe’s security, supports economic growth, inspires the next generation, and unites institutions and citizens. Copernicus, as a tangible example, demonstrates how European space programmes can deliver societal benefits while reinforcing Europe’s autonomy and global presence.
