Cyprus joins European Area Company as an Affiliate Member

ESA and Cyprus have cooperated efficiently for a decade, with Cyprus changing into a European Cooperating State in 2017.  Delegations from all 23 ESA Member States witnessed the signing of the Affiliate Settlement, by ESA Director Normal Josef Aschbacher on behalf of the Member States and Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Analysis, Innovation and Digital Coverage of the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus will proceed with ratification and plans to attain affiliate membership by early 2026, throughout its Presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2026. With Cyprus’s ratification, ESA could have 4 lively Affiliate Member states: Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.  

Cyprus is establishing itself as a centre for telecommunications, Earth commentary, and navigation by making the most of its strategic location and beneficial local weather. With a nationwide area technique and area legislation in place, complemented by efficient organisation and inter-ministerial collaboration, Cyprus has grown its area group, forming business hyperlinks and participating in ESA actions, leading to elevated worldwide cooperation.  Constructing on these established nationwide strengths, Cyprus will point out its subscriptions to ESA’s non-compulsory programmes throughout subsequent month’s Ministerial Council to be held on 26 and 27 November in Bremen.

ESA Director Normal Josef Aschbacher congratulated the Deputy Minister Damianou, lauding the progress Cyprus has made since its first Cooperating Settlement with ESA in 2009:  “Collectively, now we have remodeled and elevated the Cypriot area sector and aligned our imaginative and prescient and curiosity. I want to honour the non-public funding of those that made this attainable – the delegation of Cyprus to ESA, my workers, the decision-makers, business, and plenty of extra.

“To the federal government of Cyprus, thanks in your dedication to area and to the spirit of European cooperation. To the folks of Cyprus, welcome to a journey of discovery, innovation and shared progress. Welcome to ESA!” 

Minister Damianou mentioned: “In the present day marks a big milestone for Cyprus, reflecting our readiness to play an lively and significant position inside Europe’s rising area panorama. Over the previous years, now we have constructed the experience and buildings wanted to take part successfully within the area area. Cyprus’ distinctive place on the intersection of 4 areas, mixed with our elevated geopolitical position, permits us to function a trusted, steady, and safe gateway for world area operations, bringing each strategic and operational worth.

“Waiting for Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union within the first half of 2026, we see area as an important pillar of Europe’s development, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. We stay dedicated to fostering robust partnerships and advancing insurance policies that translate Europe’s area ambitions into tangible advantages for its residents and financial system.”