ESA and EU Strengthen Information Security Agreement
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) May 23, 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union (EU) have updated their security of information agreement, reinforcing their partnership.

ESA and the EU have collaborated to ensure European citizens benefit from space programs. ESA has developed key components of the EU's space initiatives, such as the Galileo navigation system and the Copernicus Earth observation satellites. These projects provide accurate global positioning and climate change analysis, respectively. ESA will also be crucial in the EU's Iris2 secure connectivity program.

This collaboration relies on the free exchange of information between ESA and the EU for sensitive or classified activities. The updated agreement aligns with the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement concluded in 2021.

Massimo Mercati, Head of the ESA Security Office, stated, "With the signing of this agreement on the security and exchange of classified information, ESA takes another step in becoming established as an acknowledged actor in the crucial field of space security. ESA looks forward to working with the incoming European Commission as an indispensable, competent partner for developing and implementing Europe's ambitions in space."

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