Luxembourg Space Agency and ESPI strengthen partnership for Europe's future
NASA
Against a backdrop of growing competition in space exploration and geopolitical uncertainty, space co-operation within Europe is gaining strategic importance. This is evidenced by the new agreement concluded on 29 October 2025 between the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) at the 19th ESPI Autumn Conference under the symbolic title "Europe as a Space Power".
For Luxembourg, whose space strategy since 2018 aims to strengthen international ties and develop the innovation sector, this agreement was an important milestone. The country has already established itself as an active player in promising areas such as resource extraction in space and space finance. LSA has been a member of ESPI since 2023, and the new arrangement takes their partnership to a deeper level.
The parties agreed to focus on three key areas:
- Research and Development - joint independent research on space policy issues with recommendations for national and European bodies.
- Creating and promoting the network - enhancing international scientific and policy interaction, including through the establishment of an ESPI office in Luxembourg.
- Education and Training - development of programmes aimed at attracting and training young professionals who can strengthen the European space industry in the long term.
The philosophy of the agreement is built around three main themes: "prosperity through innovation, industry and finance", "discovery and exploitation of space resources" and "strengthening competences through education". In essence, it is an attempt to systematically link science policy, industrial development and human capital - the three pillars on which a modern space power is built.
LSA Deputy Director General Mathias Link emphasised that "European cooperation, especially in space, is key to achieving common goals and defending shared values". He expressed confidence that the partnership with ESPI will enable Luxembourg to make a significant contribution to shaping Europe's space future.
Luxembourg's Minister of Economy Lex Delles added that the move is a logical continuation of the country's strategy of seeking not only to develop its own sector, but also to lead in shaping the pan-European agenda. He emphasised the importance of scientific and educational exchange as a tool to unlock the potential of space for the benefit of all.
For his part, ESPI head Ludwig Moeller said the agreement will provide a platform for "informed public dialogue, confidence building and international cooperation," especially in the key topics of discovery, economic growth and training.
