Cyprus has an emerging but already strong space and Earth Observation (EO) ecosystem. Cyprus has recently joined the European Space Agency as an Associate Member, has further developed its EO and digital ecosystem and expertise through the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence under the EU-funded Excelsior project. According to the latest EARSC 2025 Industry Survey, Cyprus is home to a good number of EO companies (at least 10) and employees (40+), on par with many other smaller EU space countries (e.g., Luxembourg, Norway, etc.).
Since the 1st of January (until the 30th of June), for the second time, Cyprus is holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). With the overall theme “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World”, they will focus on five overarching priorities: security, defence readiness and preparedness; competitiveness; autonomy and openness; leaving no citizen behind; and working on the long-term budget for an autonomous Union.
During its term, the Cyprus Presidency will have to tackle several important EO/space-related files such as the continued negotiation of the EU Space Act, the negotiations for the next EU MFF (2028-2034), including the European Competitiveness Fund which is particularly relevant for the EO/space sector. They continue the work started under the Danish Presidency and will lay the groundwork for the subsequent Irish Presidency.
The Cyprus Presidency will also organise a series of events over the next six months in coordination with national and European actors that will enable further discussion on these key topics and opportunities for the EO, and wider space community, to meet.
Join us next week as our host Emmanuel Pajot (EARSC Secretary General) sits down with Andronikos Kakkouras (Senior Officer, Department of Electronic Communications – Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus) to discuss the key upcoming space and EO-related actions of the Cyprus presidency, as well as learn a bit more about the Cypriot EO ecosystem from some of the key actors involved including Stelios Tziortzis (Department of Electronic Communications – Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus) and Diofantos Hadjimitsis (Managing Director, Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence).
Some questions that could be addressed during this EOcafe include:
- What is the current landscape of Cyprus’ involvement in space/EO? How is the Cypriot EO ecosystem evolving? And what are its specificities?
- What are the key priorities of the Cyprus presidency when it comes to EO (and space more broadly)?
- How will the Cyprus presidency support the European EO industry? What opportunities will there be for the European EO industry?
- How can the European EO industry contribute/engage with the Cyprus presidency team, and vice-versa, to make the most out of the next 6 months?
- Beyond the presidency, what avenues for collaboration are there between Cyprus and other European (or global) EO companies? What are key trends/topics to look out for?
Registration: The webinar is open to all. Registration is free but compulsory.
Please note this is a virtual event!
EOcafe is part of a series of EARSC meetings that offer timely, relevant, and practical information on a broad variety of topics related to the EO sector. Join us every month to discuss and network while enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- The use of a video camera is not mandatory but is encouraged to facilitate better interaction between the attendees and the guest speaker(s).
- The EOcafe will stay open after 17:00 in case our guests want to continue the discussion.
- By registering for this event, you accept the terms and conditions (https://earsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/EARSC_Events_GDPR.pdf).
If you have any questions, and/or you want to know more about the EOcafe, and/or you want to share an idea about a future EOcafe, please contact Tanya Walker (tanya.walker@earsc.org).