On January 1, 2025, Slovenia officially became a member of the European Space Agency (ESA) following the deposit of its instrument of ratification in Paris. This milestone was celebrated during keynote speeches by Slovenia's Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.
Dr. Golob emphasized Slovenia's commitment to space activities, stating, 'In space activities, we invest in our future, in research and development, and growth of business opportunities.' He highlighted the country's strengths in Earth observation, which are crucial for addressing climate change challenges.
Aschbacher acknowledged Slovenia's contributions, particularly in astronaut training, artificial intelligence, and micro-satellite technology. He expressed confidence that Slovenia's involvement would enhance ESA's collective mission.
Minister of Space Matters Matjaz Han praised Slovenia's burgeoning space sector, noting its rapid growth and the potential for future advancements.
This accession marks a significant step for Slovenia, aligning the nation with broader European space initiatives and fostering international collaboration in space exploration.