ESA Post-CM25 online event on January 14, 2026, opens new opportunities for the European space industry

The European Space Agency (ESA) is organizing a full-day online "Post-CM25 Industry Event" on January 14, 2026, a special event intended for existing and future industrial partners. This is the first major meeting with industry following the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level (CM25) held on November 26 and 27, 2025, in Bremen, where European ministers adopted a historically high space budget and confirmed the strategic direction of European ambitions in space. The online format will allow companies and institutions from all Member States and Associate States to participate without travel, from large prime contractors to small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and research organizations.

During the event, ESA management – led by Director General Josef Aschbacher – will present the key decisions made in Bremen, explain how they fit into the long-term Strategy 2040, and indicate what they specifically mean for future tenders, contracts, and partnerships. Special emphasis will be placed on opportunities for industry in individual programs, from telecommunications and navigation, through Earth observation and space safety, to space transportation, science, and human and robotic exploration. For European companies, this is an opportunity to hear firsthand what follows CM25 and how to position themselves timely in the new investment cycle.

What is CM25 and why is this event important for industry

The ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CM25) is the Agency's highest political instance where Member States decide every three to four years on the budget and main programmatic priorities. This year's meeting in Bremen was particularly important as it represents the first step in implementing ESA's Strategy 2040 – a document that defines Europe's role in space over the next two decades, from climate protection and security to technological autonomy and economic growth.

At CM25, Member States approved record financial contributions, the largest in ESA's history. The total package, after the conclusion of negotiations and technical corrections, rose to more than 22 billion euros, confirming confidence in the Agency and its industrial base. This gave ESA a stable multi-year framework for launching new missions, developing key technologies, and strengthening cooperation with the private sector, including new commercial models of cooperation.

For industry, this means a clearer view of the future "pipeline" of projects, from large institutional missions to innovative demonstrators and commercial initiatives. The budget decisions from Bremen are linked to specific invitations to tender that will be published through ESA's procurement systems, primarily through the esa-star platform. In this context, the post-CM25 online event on January 14, 2026, is designed as a bridge between the political decisions of ministers and the operational steps that industry needs to take as early as 2026.

Key budget decisions of CM25: a signal of confidence in the European space industry

The results of CM25 are particularly visible in individual program lines that directly open new business opportunities. In the area of space transportation, ESA received a massive boost to continue the development of European rockets and space logistics solutions. The multi-year package for space transportation in Bremen was set at a level of multi-billion dollar investments, continuing the implementation of the strategic decision for Europe to maintain and strengthen autonomous access to space – from Ariane and Vega rockets to new concepts of reusable systems and space cargo ships.

The telecommunications segment, managed by the Directorate for Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC), also experienced a strong surge. Member States approved a multi-year financial package worth approximately 2.1 billion euros intended to ensure secure, resilient, and ubiquitous satellite connectivity in Europe. The focus is on programs related to the European secure connectivity initiative IRIS², new generations of geostationary and multi-layered constellations, as well as the development of services for critical infrastructure, public administration, and commercial users.

The Directorate for Navigation (NAV) gained additional momentum thanks to funding packages close to 1 billion euros. This continues and expands the development of the NAVISP and FutureNAV programs, as well as new missions that will improve the precision, robustness, and resilience of European navigation systems, including Galileo and EGNOS. The goal is to ensure that Europe remains competitive and strategically autonomous in the field of satellite navigation, key for transport, logistics, smart cities, and numerous digital services.

The Space Safety program (S2P), responsible for monitoring space hazards such as space debris, solar storms, and potentially dangerous asteroids, benefited particularly. In Bremen, a budget of approximately 955 million euros was approved for this program for the next three years, representing an increase of about 30% compared to the previous period and exceeding ESA's original requests. This opens space for new technology demonstration missions, risk mitigation projects, and the development of operational warning services.

Strong support also came for science programs and the exploration of the Solar System, exoplanets, and the universe as a whole. As part of CM25, additional funding was secured for a new multi-year science program, which should enable the preparation of the next generation of space telescopes and exploration missions, as well as the continuation of existing successful projects. Increased allocations also go to Earth observation programs, aimed at monitoring climate, oceans, ice sheets, and weather extremes, where the European industry has already proven itself through low orbit, radar, and optical missions.

Overall, the CM25 package sends a clear signal that Europe wants not only to maintain but also to strengthen its position in the global space race. For industry, this means a stable investment framework and a clear message that it pays off to invest long-term in technologies, capacities, and people – from classic space companies to new "New Space" actors and digital enterprises just entering the sector.

Post-CM25 online event: a bridge between political decisions and industrial practice

That is precisely why the post-CM25 online event on January 14, 2026, is designed as an operational continuation of the ministerial meeting. The goal is for the Director General and the heads of all directorates to present the main decisions from Bremen in a structured format, clarify priorities by program lines, and emphasize where ESA particularly counts on the contribution of industry in the coming years. Companies will thus have the opportunity to hear firsthand where the programs are heading, what new tenders are planned, and which skills, technologies, and capacities will be particularly in demand.

The event is intended for all ESA industrial partners, regardless of size or previous experience. For large prime contractors, it is important for the strategic direction of future space missions, while for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, it is equally important because it points to technological niches in which they can participate as subcontractors or suppliers of specialized solutions. The online format allows participants to join from their own offices, without travel and logistics costs, which is especially important for younger companies and organizations from smaller Member States.

Throughout the day, presentations from individual directorates will alternate, allowing industry to gain an overview by topic: from commercialization and secure communications, through navigation and Earth observation, to space technology, transportation, science, and operations. Through highlights on opportunities for continued cooperation and new calls for industry, companies will receive specific guidelines on how to prepare for upcoming calls within ESA programs.

Detailed program: from an introductory overview of CM25 to specific programs

The event on January 14, 2026, begins at 9:00 Central European Time (CET) with an opening address by the Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, Géraldine Naja. In the introductory five minutes, the link between the decisions from the ministerial meeting, industry development, and the goals of Strategy 2040 will be marked, emphasizing how ESA wants to involve the private sector even more strongly in the implementation of its programs.

After the introduction follows a presentation by Director General Josef Aschbacher entitled "Successful CM25", in which he will summarize the main results of the meeting in Bremen: agreed budgets, political messages from ministers, and the way the decisions support the goals of Strategy 2040. Special attention will be paid to the historically high amount of Member State contributions and the fact that despite a demanding geopolitical and economic environment, a consensus was reached on strong investment in space.

The next two shorter presentations focus on the financial and strategic framework. Director of Strategy, Legal and External Affairs Eric Morel will explain how CM25 decisions fit into the European Union's Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) and broader European industrial policy, while Director of Resources and Services Marco Ferrazzani will present the financial implementation plan of the decisions, including the rhythm of issuing tenders, tentative allocations by year, and expectations regarding project management.

Directorates and programmatic themes: where the opportunities for industry are

After the morning break, the focus shifts to individual directorates and their programs. The presentation by CSC Director Laurent Jaffart will be dedicated to the future of secure and resilient satellite connectivity. Industry can expect information on the continuation and expansion of programs related to IRIS², secure communication for public services, cyber-resilience of satellite networks, and new models of cooperation with telecom operators, cloud providers, and terminal manufacturers. Special opportunities open up for companies developing digital platforms, user terminals, antennas, cryptographic solutions, and network management software.

The block on navigation, led by NAV Director Javier Benedicto, will focus on future generations of European navigation systems. An overview is expected on how additional funding will support new missions, the modernization of constellations, and supplementary systems to improve accuracy and resilience to interference. Particularly relevant for industry are plans in the field of precise positioning, navigation in difficult conditions (urban canyons, polar regions), and the integration of navigation signals with 5G/6G networks.

Director of Earth Observation Programs (EOP) Simonetta Chelli will present how the decisions from Bremen will support the continuation and expansion of missions dedicated to climate, environment, and natural resource management. Industry developing radar and optical instruments, small satellites, data processing platforms, and services based on data analysis (e.g., monitoring agriculture, forests, cities, or seas) will receive a clear signal about upcoming calls, demonstration missions, and cooperation opportunities.

The thematic block dedicated to European Remote Sensing (ERS) will bring together three directorates – CSC, NAV, and EOP – to emphasize the horizontal nature of many space applications. The combination of Earth observation, navigation signals, and communication links opens space for new integrated services, from smart traffic management and shipping to energy, agriculture, and disaster risk management. Companies that can offer solutions at the intersection of these domains will have an advantage in future calls.

After the lunch break, the focus is on technology and commercialization. TEC Director Dietmar Pilz will present how the record CM25 allocations will overflow into advanced space technology programs, including new materials, thermal management systems, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence in space systems, and innovative space platform concepts. TEC is traditionally the "engine" of technological demonstrations within ESA, and the decisions from Bremen further solidify that role.

The Directorate CIC (Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness), also managed by Géraldine Naja, will place emphasis on new forms of cooperation with industry. This includes innovative public-private partnership models, programs intended for startups and scaleup companies, as well as tools by which ESA helps companies place their technologies and services on the global market. Industry can expect an overview of instruments such as product development contracts, pilot projects in cooperation with users, and initiatives that encourage private capital investment in the space sector.

In the late afternoon part, the focus shifts to space transportation, human and robotic exploration, science, and operations. Acting Director of STS, Toni Tolker Nielsen, will explain how CM25 decisions will enable the implementation of the European space transportation strategy – from the stable use of existing rockets to the development of new systems and preparation for reuse. This also includes new opportunities for industry in the field of launch systems, ground infrastructure, logistics, and innovative services such as space tugs and in-orbit satellite servicing.

HRE Director Daniel Neuenschwander will present the vision for European human and robotic exploration, including Europe's participation in international programs in low orbit and around the Moon, as well as the contribution to the preparation of future missions to deeper space. For industry working on habitation technology, life support systems, robotic manipulators, autonomous systems, and surface mobility, this is a key segment of the event.

SCI Director Carole Mundell will cover science programs, from astrophysics to planetary science, with an emphasis on new missions that will arise from the additional funds secured at CM25. The final presentation by OPS Director Rolf Densing will be dedicated to the operational dimension: satellite fleet management, safe operation in an increasingly congested orbital environment, and the development of new space surveillance tools and centers. Opportunities also open up here for industry providing software, engineering, and operational solutions.

How to apply and where to follow practical information

All information about registration, technical details of connection, and any working materials will be available through the ESA industry page and the esa-star system. Industrial partners already doing business with ESA are used to using esa-star for company registration, profile management, and access to tender documentation. And for the post-CM25 online event, esa-star will be the main channel for publishing practical instructions and links to the application form.

Companies not yet registered in the esa-star system should initiate the registration process in a timely manner to have access to the full range of information and subsequent tenders. Registration involves entering basic company data, financial documentation, and a technical profile, and is approved by ESA after verification. Once registered, a company can follow future calls, express interest in projects, and submit bids through esa-star, which is crucial for participating in programs resulting from CM25 decisions.

In addition to esa-star, additional information on the political and strategic context will be available on a special section of the website dedicated to the CM25 ministerial meeting. Summaries of decisions, statements from the Director General, an overview of thematic priorities, and links to detailed articles on individual program areas are already there. Industry wishing to deeper understand the background of budget decisions can find analyses there on how CM25 contributes to the goals of climate protection, technological autonomy, economic growth, and the inspiration of new generations.

Why the event is relevant for smaller states and companies as well

Although the largest contracts are often concluded with large industrial players, ESA through CM25 and accompanying programs clearly emphasizes the role of small and medium-sized enterprises and new innovative companies. The post-CM25 online event is an opportunity for such companies – including those from smaller Member States – to gain an overview of areas where demand for specialized solutions is expected to grow, from data processing software and artificial intelligence to specific components, sensors, and subsystems.

Companies from countries traditionally less present in the space value chain can use the event to direct their own development strategy: identify directorates and programs where their competencies fit best and adapt recruitment plans, investments in equipment, and new product development. Participation in the event is simultaneously an opportunity for networking – although the online format does not provide classic on-site networking, companies can, for example, contact relevant ESA departments or large prime contractors after the presentations to present their competencies.

For national space offices and competent ministries, a summarized overview of CM25 decisions and priorities by directorates will help in aligning national strategies with common European goals. This includes planning co-financing for certain programs, developing national innovation policies, and directing support to companies and research institutions wishing to enter the ESA ecosystem.

As Europe enters a new period of intensive space investment after CM25, the post-CM25 online event on January 14, 2026, will be a key opportunity for industry, from large system integrators to the youngest startups, to understand where new windows of opportunity are opening and how to take advantage of them in time.