Yesterday, on the opening day of the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level 2025, Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell delivered Canada’s commitment to the European Space Agency (ESA) pledging €407.7 million Euros, forecasted to be about $664.6 million.
Canada’s commitment comes just over a week after the SpaceBound conference where Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada would significantly be increasing its investment in into ESA programs so that Canadian organizations could increase their presence in Europe. Canada is the only non-European cooperating state in ESA.
At the conclusion of the two meeting today, the 23 member states had committed €22.1 billion Euros, the largest contributions at the Ministerial level. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said it “represents a 32% increase, or 17% increase if corrected for inflation, on ESA’s 2022 Ministerial Council.”
This was the first step in implementing the ESA Strategy 2040.
While member states provided a record contribution it did not meet all the requests from ESA. Notably, the Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) program received €2.98 billion Euros ($4.33 billion), approximately 20% less than the €3.77 billion Euros ($6.13 billion) that been asked.
Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency, Statement
Ministers, national delegates, colleagues of the European Space Agency (ESA), ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honour and immense pleasure that I address you on the occasion of this meeting of the ESA Council at ministerial level. I do so on behalf of Mélanie Joly, our Minister of Industry, who conveys her regrets at not being able to join us today.
As the only non-European member of ESA, Canada is grateful for the visionary leadership that paved the way for where we are today. Prime Minister Mark Carney has underscored Europe as a strategic partner, not only in advancing cooperation in space, but also across a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial domains, from climate resilience and security to innovation and economic growth. Canada is privileged to stand alongside ESA, especially in these times of global uncertainty, when unity and shared purpose matter most. Productive, innovative relationships like the one we have with ESA are more important than ever.
This is why I am proud to announce that Canada is making a historic investment of €407.7 million Euros, forecasted to be about $664.6 million Canadian dollars.
It will enable our country to contribute to important ESA missions, directly benefitting Canadian industry and helping it grow and diversify. Canada’s space sector will bring globally recognized expertise in niche technologies, while developing essential innovations in satellite communications, space exploration, positioning, navigation and timing, and space situational awareness.
Canada’s investment in ESA optional programs reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Earth observation, enhancing resilience and security in space infrastructure, and ensuring that both Europe and Canada remain globally competitive and strategically autonomous. This investment strengthens our domestic space sector while building capabilities that serve shared priorities, particularly in support of safety, defence and security.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, allow me to thank the German delegation and the European Space Agency for the warm welcome at this important gathering. To the ESA team, thank you for your tireless efforts in shaping this ambitious program and for inspiring us with your vision for the years ahead.
Funding breakdown:
- Of this funding, €352.5 million (representing approximately CAD$574.6 million) will be put toward ESA’s optional programs, and €55.21 million (approximately CAD$90 million) toward ESA’s mandatory programs.
- Funds will be divided among the following ESA optional programs:
- €116.5 million in Earth Observation (CAD$189.9 million)
- €75 million in Space Exploration (CAD$122.3 million)
- €80.5 million in Satellite Communications (CAD$131.2 million)
- €45 million in Technologies and Industry Development (CAD$73.4 million)
- €30 million in Space Safety (CAD$48.9 million)
- €5.5 million in Navigation (CAD$9 million)
- All figures are presented in 2025 economic conditions. Approximate Canadian dollar values are calculated using an exchange rate of €1 = CAD$1.63.
Update: We updated the story to include a breakdown of where the funding will be spent as provided by the CSA.