Bremen, 27 November 2025 — Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy, and Tourism, represented Luxembourg at the European Space Agency (ESA) Council meeting at ministerial level, held on 26 and 27 November in Bremen, Germany. This triennial meeting brought together European ministers to define ESA’s strategic priorities and budget for the 2026–2029 period.
The Luxembourg delegation — comprising Minister Lex Delles, representatives of the Ministry of the Economy, and the Luxembourg Space Agency — reaffirmed the Grand Duchy’s strong commitment to ESA programs and expressed full support for the vision presented by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.
Five Strategic Ambitions for Europe in Space
The ESA proposal for 2026–2029 is structured around five major ambitions:
Protecting the Planet and Climate: Developing technologies and missions to tackle climate change, monitor the environment, and support a sustainable space economy.
Fostering Exploration and Discovery: Strengthening Europe’s leadership in scientific missions and space exploration.
Reinforcing European Autonomy and Resilience: Ensuring independent European access to space and advancing secure connectivity systems.
Driving Growth and Competitiveness: Stimulating innovation, enhancing industrial capacities, and attracting private investment.
Inspiring Europe: Promoting space education and deepening international cooperation.
Luxembourg’s Strategic Priorities for 2026–2029
In line with its national space strategy, Luxembourg will invest in high-potential domains and markets — whether commercial or linked to major EU programs. For the 2026–2029 period, Luxembourg’s focus areas include:
Human and robotic exploration
Earth observation
Navigation
Secure communications and connectivity
Space transportation systems
Commercialization
These investments are reflected in Luxembourg’s subscription to ESA’s mandatory and optional programs covering these thematic areas. Luxembourg’s financial contribution to ESA programs for 2026–2029 amounts to €149.3 million. The total ESA program budget following the Ministerial Council is €22.1 billion.
Strengthening the National Space Ecosystem
In parallel to its ESA contribution, Luxembourg will allocate €115.8 million to the national LuxIMPULSE program — implemented with ESA’s support — for the same period. Following the approval of the related draft law by the Government Council last week, the total public investment dedicated to the development of the Luxembourg space ecosystem over the next three years will reach €265.1 million.
Through ESA’s “geographic return” principle, these investments will enable Luxembourg-based companies and research organisations to access European funding opportunities, supporting the development and commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and services — and ultimately generating added value for the Luxembourg economy.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Space Sector
“Our membership in the European Space Agency since 2005 has played a proactive role in the development of the Luxembourg space ecosystem. These programs deliver concrete economic benefits for our industry and provide effective instruments for Luxembourg companies and research organisations to invent, build, and scale new solutions. Supporting ESA programs is fundamental to further strengthening the space sector as a key pillar of Luxembourg’s economic diversification. Luxembourg fully shares the ambitions structured around the five major themes presented by ESA,” stated Minister Lex Delles.
