At its 64th session, held on November 2, 2017, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted a decision on the initiation of the procedure for concluding an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the European Space Agency (ESA) on space co-operation for peaceful purposes.
The Republic of Croatia is not a formal member of ESA. In April 2014, a letter of intent was sent to the Director General of the ESA, expressing the desire of the Republic of Croatia to become a member state. In May 2015, Croatia discusses co-operation options with the ESA delegation. Since 2015, the Republic of Croatia participates as observer state at the sessions of the ESA Council, the International Relations Committee and other working bodies.
The agreement paves the way for the full co-operation with ESA, facilitates the exchange of information through meetings, workshops, training programs and application of specific data as well as the use of the ESA’s assistance in compiling the national space strategy.
The long-term interest of the Republic of Croatia in terms of cooperation with ESA is also of economic nature. Approximately 90% of the budget of the European Space Agency is allocated for contracts with European industry and therefore it is expected that the Agreement will ultimately open new business opportunities for successful economic operators from the Republic of Croatia.
