Latvian Delegation at the ESA Ministerial Council: Latvia’s Positions in the European Space Sector Strengthened

On November 27, the European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Council meeting concluded in Bremen, Germany. Latvia was represented by a delegation led by the Minister for Education and Science, Dace Melbārde. At this most important triennial political meeting, held from 26 to 27 November, the ESA Ministerial Council agreed on the overall budget, priorities, and future investments in the European space sector. Latvia confirmed its participation in several strategically important ESA programmes that will provide practical benefits for society, science, security, and the national economy.

On November 27, the European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Council meeting concluded in Bremen, Germany. Latvia was represented by a delegation led by the Minister for Education and Science, Dace Melbārde. At this most important triennial political meeting, held from 26 to 27 November, the ESA Ministerial Council agreed on the overall budget, priorities, and future investments in the European space sector. Latvia confirmed its participation in several strategically important ESA programmes that will provide practical benefits for society, science, security, and the national economy.

Investments in the space sector are investments in Latvia’s security and knowledge-based economy. Participation in ESA programmes gives Latvian researchers and companies access to cutting-edge technologies and international cooperation networks, fostering the development of innovative solutions and strengthening Latvia’s competitiveness. Since 2020, Latvia’s involvement in ESA programmes has also become a significant contribution to the national economy — the implementation of ESA projects during this period has generated a total GDP impact of EUR 13.4 million.

Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde emphasises that ESA programmes open the way for Latvia to develop a sustainable knowledge economy, create new technologies, and provide broader opportunities for Latvian companies and researchers to participate in high value-added international projects. Participation in ESA programmes is a key driving force for strengthening Latvia’s science and technology, promoting societal well-being and the country’s economic dynamism.

A balanced development of the upstream and downstream sectors, science commercialisation and private investment, education and the training of qualified specialists, as well as Latvia’s integration into European value chains and missions, are of critical importance. The Minister underlined that ESA’s role in the development of Latvia’s space sector is undeniable, and that deepened cooperation with the Agency is one of the core principles of Latvia’s space policy.

Latvia is joining the ESA dual-use programme in cooperation with the defence sector, strengthening the country’s space capabilities in the field of security. Latvia will also continue its participation in several important ESA programmes that enhance industrial competences and drive new technology development:

  • National Programme – strengthening industrial capabilities, product development, education activities, ESERO project and trainee opportunities at ESA centres.
  • GSTP – technology development at mid Technology Readiness Levels.
  • FutureEO – Earth observation technologies and services.
  • Space Exploration / Lunar Gateway – involvement in the development of technologies for the lunar space station.
  • Access – participation in the ESA Business Incubation project.
  • European Space Resilience – very high-resolution geointelligence technologies.
  • NovaMoon – navigation solutions for use on the Moon.

In the coming years, Latvia will continue to strengthen cooperation with ESA in order to:

  • increase the involvement of companies and researchers in ESA projects;
  • promote the commercialisation of technologies developed in Latvia;
  • ensure the training of the next generation of specialists;
  • develop modern, safe, and practically applicable solutions for society in the fields of security and innovation;
  • develop dual-use solutions in cooperation with the defence sector.

ESA implements several dozen optional programmes across various space-sector development areas. Each Member State and Associate Member State can choose which programmes to participate in and how much funding to allocate. ESA’s industrial policy ensures that up to 85% of the contributed funding returns to the national industry through the implementation of international education, science, and innovation projects. The objective of such projects is to strengthen national capacity and capabilities in the space sector, progressing toward the development of commercial products and services.

In total, ESA Member States have subscribed for EUR 22.1 billion for programmes over the next three years. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher described this as a record-high level.

Policy-making for the space sector in Latvia is led by the Ministry of Education and Science. Latvia became an Associate Member State of ESA in 2020. Further information on Latvia’s space activities and cooperation with ESA is available at: www.latviaspace.gov.lv