The next ESA Council meeting at Ministerial Level (CM25) is just down the road, due to take place in November 2025. At the last ESA Council meeting at Ministerial Level in November 2022, a 17% increase of ESA’s budget, compared to 2019, was decided. €2.7 billion was allocated to ESA’s Earth Observation programme, including a focus on the continuity of the Copernicus space segment, and a strong commitment to working with the EO downstream industry was reiterated. So, what will come next?
Since the CM22, the EO sector has continued to evolve, now generating €2.27b in revenues, employing over 14 928 employees and growing at a rate of 10.7% according to the 2024 EARSC Industry Survey. A changing geopolitical context has seen priorities shift more towards defence and civil security, all the while maintaining key actions to tackle climate change, where EO is increasingly playing a role to support the design and implementation of policies.
The 2024 Industry Survey also highlighted the growth of European EO acquisition capabilities, thanks to ongoing public and private investment, and the continued success of the Copernicus programme, with an increasing number of users and proven societal, environmental and economic benefits. The agility of the Dynamic Purchasing System and reduced barriers for market entrants are all key factors making the EO downstream industry more dynamic.
With this context in mind, and as the ESA team prepares for the CM25, our host Geoff Sawyer (EARSC Strategic Advisor and former Secretary General) will be joined by our special guest Simonetta Cheli (Director of ESA Earth Observation Programmes and Head of ESRIN) who will shed light on the foreseen key priorities for the CM25 and the role for the EO downstream industry, including how the industry can provide input in the lead up to the CM25.
Some questions that could be addressed during this EOcafe include:
- What have been the key highlights and achievements since the last CM22? Especially, as related to the link to the EO downstream industry?
- What will be the key focus areas of the upcoming CM25, particularly as related to any impact on the EO downstream sector? How is ESA preparing for this?
- What does ESA need from the EO industry in the lead up to the CM25? What key messages can EO industry pass on to Member States?
- How can EARSC support this process?
- What are key upcoming events or fora where the EO community and ESA can meet in the lead up to CM25?
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 two weeks 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