Funding for the future
At CM25, Member States backed this evolution with €5 billion for technology, addressing all space applications and all technology maturity levels - from early-stage exploratory developments to orbit demonstrations.
GSTP funding increased by 70% since the last cycle – reflecting strong confidence in GSTP’s role in the development of critical technologies for European sovereignty. This level of investment proves that ESA is seen as a trusted partner to deliver Europe’s most ambitious technology research and development projects.
“This is an unprecedented level of resources, showing the strong belief Europe has in ESA’s technology excellence,” says Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality at ESA.
What’s new in GSTP
High subscription levels show Member States’ commitment to strategic autonomy, underlining that there is no sovereignty without technology sovereignty.
Together with ESA, Member States at CM25 added a new Resilience and Security Component, complementing the existing EEE Space Component Sovereignty for Europe, and allocated a total of €200 million.
The two components will focus on:
- Establishing long-term European autonomy in critical technologies
- Developing enabling technologies for security and resilience, with the appropriate confidentiality and security measures
- Collaborating with end users and ESA projects to ensure developments meet operational and strategic specifications.
Key Focus Areas for the Future
ESA and its Member States have also identified four priority technology domains that will define the next decade and drive European sovereignty:
- Artificial Intelligence: Transforming mission design, autonomy, and operations.
- Quantum Technologies: Turning Europe’s research leadership into industrial capability for sensing, secure communication, and quantum networks.
- Propulsion technology: Driving cutting edge propulsion systems, essential for all space activities.
- Sustainable technologies: Developing technologies to manage the space environment responsibly and ensure long-term access to orbit.