Opening Address by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, at the Cyprus Associate Membership Signing Ceremony

From:

Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy

23/10/25 13:52 | Speech / Address | Research, Innovation and Digital Policy

It is an honour to be with you today at the European Space Agency (ESA) Headquarters in Paris, as we formalise Cyprus’ accession as an Associate Member to the ESA. This milestone is the culmination of years of dedicated preparation and close cooperation, and reflects Cyprus’ readiness to play an active and meaningful role in advancing Europe’s space ambitions.

Since the signing of the first Cooperation Agreement in 2009, Cyprus has steadily deepened its partnership with ESA, laying the groundwork for the step we take today. However, progress has been admittedly slow often amid conditions and circumstances beyond our direct control. Over the last five years, we have made important strides, building the expertise and the structures needed to participate effectively in the space domain.

At institutional level, we have enacted a comprehensive policy and legal framework, including a Space Law aligning Cyprus with international norms such as the Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention; we have inaugurated the Cyprus Space Research & Innovation Centre in 2024 and recently established a Space Incubation Centre. At the same time, we are building scientific and industrial capacity, including space-related infrastructure, with an active participation in European Union (EU) Space programmes – an Earth Observation Ground station capable of receiving real time data from Copernicus and other satellite constellations is foreseen to operate in Cyprus within 2025. As a result, the space sector is evolving into an indispensable part of our fast-growing technology ecosystem, which today contributes more than 15% to our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Today, Cyprus joins ESA as a more mature and forward-looking partner, that can bring both strategic and operational value within Europe’s growing space landscape.

Situated at the intersection of four regions, Cyprus maintains an elevated geopolitical role and strong neighbouring relations within an otherwise turbulent region. This unique standing renders our country a trusted, stable and secure gateway for global space operations. With 300 days of sunshine per year and a resilient telecommunications infrastructure, Cyprus offers ideal conditions for hosting satellite ground stations, control centres, and data gateways, as well as sensitive international space activities.

Becoming an Associate Member of ESA and gaining access to additional programmes and initiatives enable us to meaningfully leverage these strengths.

As we take this step, we do so with a clear sense of purpose and commitment. Looking ahead to Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, we see space as a vital pillar of Europe’s growth, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. We will work to harness this potential by fostering stronger partnerships and advancing policies that translate Europe’s space ambitions to tangible benefits for its citizens and the economy

In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership of ESA, and to everyone in Cyprus who have supported this important transition.

Thank you.

(MS/IA)

Opening Address by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, at the Cyprus Associate Membership Signing Ceremony

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