European Space Agency Council prepares the ministerial meeting in Rome
· BehindLines newsroom
What place does Europe want in space exploration? The Council of the European Space Agency (ESA) held its 350th meeting on 21 and 22 October 2026 in Paris. According to Brussels Times, which reports on the work, it mainly prepared the Intermediate Ministerial Meeting, known as IMM26, scheduled for Rome on 15 December 2026.
A proposal with three horizons
The Council discussed a proposal from the Director General titled "Europe's Future in Space Exploration". ESA describes it as a scalable path for Europe in low Earth orbit, on the Moon and towards Mars, balancing European autonomy with international cooperation. The article consulted gives no budget figure or mission timetable: programme and funding decisions are left to later steps.
Rome, then the next ministerial conference
According to Brussels Times, the Rome meeting will be a step towards the programme and funding decisions of the ministerial conference known as CM28. It should also allow early preparatory activities within existing financial envelopes. According to ESA's media invitation, the meeting will be held on 15 December at La Nuvola, the Rome convention centre, with a press conference from 18:00 to 19:00. Space Policy Online also recorded the public briefing of 22 October in Paris, held with Director General Josef Aschbacher and Council Chair Juan Carlos Cortés.
Relations with the European Union
Member States also reviewed ESA-EU relations: the first Sherpas meeting of the European Commission's Space Team Europe initiative, preparations for the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, and negotiations on the European Competitiveness Fund, the EU Space Act and the regulation on the EU space programme agency (EUSPA). ESA stressed the need for a clear division of responsibilities, without duplication, so that EU space activities can keep benefiting from its technical expertise. The European Commission attended at senior level to review joint projects.
Two appointments
The Council approved two new directors, who start on 1 January 2027: Andrzej Banasiak, Director of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership, and Nicolaus Hanowski, Director of Space Operations.
This text reports on a preparatory meeting: no budget decision has been announced, and the December meeting is still to come.