ESA interministerial conferences

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Archibald

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It seems that from 25 years ESA (European Space Agency) important programs are decided at interministerial meetings.

For example, the interministerial conference which took place on 9th november 1987 in the Netherlands stated on the Ariane 5, Hermes and Colombus programs.

Another in Granada, november 1992 buried Hermes.

Another will take place in november of this year.

Some questions about these conferences.

does they happen on regular basis ? (for example, every five years) ?
How many took place since, say, 1973 (when Ariane 1 program started) ?

???
 
so far i know is on 5 year base because the five year planing cycles at ESA

but i 'm not 100% sure about this ???
 
The November ESA meeting coming up will be extremely important.
If anyone has any information leaks about what are the preparations for decisions there, please post/link! I'm totally frustrated by the lack of information coming from our space agency.
I'm especially concerned with the latest calls by Sarkozy to use ESA for politician's short-sighted stunts.
 
to Sarkozy ESA Plans
here
http://www.astroengine.com/?p=322
http://www.universetoday.com/2008/07/01/president-sarkozy-and-the-french-space-revolution/

i don't know, if is a good thing for a politically-driven ESA
off course ESA can take easier decisions for manned Moon Mars flights
but they can be Ase canceled...
 
With the European Space Agency’s Council at Ministerial Level (CM25) happening in Bremen, Germany, this November 2025, Europe’s gearing up for a critical moment in its space journey—one that’s got huge implications for the global space community, especially here in Europe. For Europe, the FY2026 US budget proposal dropped a bombshell: NASA’s funding is slated to plummet from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion—a 24-25% cut. That’s not just a trim; it’s a full pivot. The Science Mission Directorate is facing nearly 50% cuts, major missions like Mars Sample Return and the Lunar Gateway where ESA is involved are on the chopping block, and SLS/Orion (for which ESA provides ESMs) are set to wind down after Artemis III to lean harder into commercial players like SpaceX. For us in Europe, this means major changes in international partnerships.

This shake-up puts ESA’s CM25 in the spotlight, as Europe steps up to fill the gaps. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, in a recent SpaceNews interview, called space a “tool of geopolitics,” pointing out that while the US, China, and Russia pour 50% of their space budgets into defense, Europe’s been at just 15%. But that’s changing—fast. With NATO’s push for more defense spending and rising global tensions, Europe’s looking to bolster secure comms, Earth observation, and next-gen launchers while growing its €1.8 trillion space economy. Aschbacher’s clear: “If you invest in space, it certainly has a civilian usage, and a military usage.” CM25 is Europe’s chance to lock in funding for independent capabilities and strengthen EU-ESA ties under new Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, all while navigating a world where the US is scaling back.
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Josef Aschbacher on geopolitics and Europe’s changing space debate
 
European Investment Bank announces space lending facility
26/11/2025

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher speaks during a European Investment Bank (EIB) event in the context of CM25. The EIB has announced plans for a space lending facility, which is designed to improve access to debt financing for space businesses at the small- to medium-enterprise or mid-cap scale. EIB Vice President Robert de Groot presented the plan in the presence of European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, the ESA Director General, and ESA Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, Géraldine Naja.

https://commercialisation.esa.int/2...ty-announced-at-esa-ministerial-council-2025/
 
CM25 delivers for business – launch of ACCESS signals a bright future for the European space sector

At this week’s Council Meeting at Ministerial Level (CM25) in Bremen, ESA Member States formally approved the new ACCESS programme, ensuring that European businesses will continue to benefit from the growth, innovation and dynamism brought by the commercialisation of space.

As part of the combined budget of €22.1 billion agreed for ESA by the Member States, Associate Members and Cooperating States, a total of €306 million has been agreed for ACCESS. This comprises €169 million subscription to ScaleUp and €137 million subscription to Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS). As the flagship commercialisation programme from ESA, ACCESS will accelerate the commercialisation and competitiveness of the European space sector, in line with ESA’s Strategy 2040.

The context for CM25 is a complex one, set against a volatile backdrop of geopolitical instability, rapid technological change and unprecedented access to space. As ESA Director General outlined earlier this week, “CM25 is more than just another Ministerial, it is a moment of radical decision-making,” and the investment in ACCESS reflects a wider European commitment to space, and recognition of the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its presence in the global space market.

ACCESS will continue to deliver support through the established ScaleUp and BASS elements. It offers enhanced financial, business and technical support for ideation, incubation, acceleration and market deployment of innovative products and services across the space value chain. It connects businesses, investors, suppliers and potential customers in space markets and the wider economy for the benefit of Europe.

https://commercialisation.esa.int/2...-bright-future-for-the-european-space-sector/
 
Europe chooses resilient and secure space-enabled connectivity with €2.1 billion investment
28/11/2025

In a time of profound technological and geopolitical challenges, Europe will continue to support the need for secure satellite communications. This was the clear message given at the European Space Agency's (ESA) Council meeting at Ministerial Level, in Bremen, Germany.

This landmark decision will see ESA contributing to Europe’s innovation, resilience and connectivity within the satellite telecommunications sector. The subscriptions will enable small and large companies across Europe and Canada to advance their competitiveness and respond to global challenges and opportunities.

Over the past decades, ESA has elevated satellite connectivity by investing in pioneering ideas and technologies. Building upon this success, the continuation and growth of the programmes will further Europe’s and Canada’s competitiveness and strengthen our Members States’ leadership. By working in partnership with industry and academia, ESA will accelerate the delivery of advanced technology, products and services.

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Co...bled_connectivity_with_2.1_billion_investment
 
UK to boost growth and security with new ESA investment
28/11/2025

British economic growth and security will benefit from the UK’s new £1.7 bn investment in European Space Agency programmes, agreed during ESA’s Ministerial Council in Germany.

The UK commitments formed part of the largest ever funding package agreed by ESA Member States at a Ministerial Council meeting.

The country's contributions are expected to safeguard thousands of highly skilled British jobs, while enabling science and innovation that boosts society and industry. It increases the UK’s current level of support for ESA programmes to £2.8 bn over the next decade (2025/26 to 2034/35), with further investment to be delivered at ESA’s next Ministerial Council in 2028.

https://www.esa.int/Space_in_Member...t_growth_and_security_with_new_ESA_investment
 
CM25 priorities for Space Transportation Systems
21/11/2025
On 26–27 November, the ESA Ministerial Council will take place in Bremen, Germany. Key decisions will be made about the future activities of the European Space Agency within the frame of ESA’s Strategy 2040. Toni Tolker-Nielsen outlines how these decisions will shape the future of Space Transportation Systems.
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhtstfoMYXY
 
CSOC CARGO COMMERCIALLY PROCURED OFFSET (3CPO)

Cancelled on December 17th.

ESA Cancels Call to Procure Commercial Cargo Services to the ISS [Dec 29]

While the announcement did not provide any further details, some insight into the decision was offered during a press briefing following the 342nd ESA Council meeting, held on 17 and 18 December.

During the briefing, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander was asked about a delay to ESA career astronaut Raphaël Liégeois’s flight to the ISS. While Liégeois had been expected to travel to the ISS in 2026, Neuenschwander could not confirm when the mission was now expected to take place.

“He will fly in a timeframe which will be clearly before the next Ministerial Council,” said Neuenschwander. The next ESA Ministerial Council meeting is expected to take place in late 2028, implying that Liégeois’s flight opportunity could be delayed by up to two years.

Neuenschwander explained that the delay was linked to ongoing discussions over the agency’s “transportation manifest,” noting that “there are two options at hand.” He did, however, add that decisions and funding commitments made during the 2025 Ministerial Council meeting in Bremen will fully cover the agency’s CSOC obligations for Liégeois’s flight.
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N° 31–2026: Key outcomes of the 347th ESA Council meeting

Following the endorsement of the EPIC (ESA Provided Institutional Crew) mission concept at the Council meeting in March, Member States agreed that ESA may enter into negotiations with potential partners and providers.

EPIC is envisaged as a professional astronaut mission aiming at one month, providing flight opportunities for ESA astronauts and astronauts from international partners.
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