The head of the European Space Agency (ESA), Josef Aschbacher, has called on Europe to significantly increase its investment in space exploration and technology in order to ensure long-term strategic autonomy from the United States. His remarks come amid shifting global alliances and growing concerns about Europe’s ability to maintain access to critical space infrastructure and partnerships.
In an interview published April 28, 2025, Aschbacher emphasized that Europe must prepare for a scenario in which U.S. policy or leadership changes, potentially impacting transatlantic space cooperation.
“If changes happen, and if our American partners and friends shift their plans, of course we must be ready for a Plan B,” Aschbacher said. “But today is not the time to discuss a Plan B—because Plan A is working.”
ESA Budget Trails Far Behind NASA
In 2025, ESA’s total budget stands at €7.7 billion (approx. $8.2 billion), nearly four times less than NASA’s $25.4 billion budget for the same year. ESA currently coordinates civil, scientific, and defense-related space activities for 23 European member states, including both EU countries and the UK.
Aschbacher warned that unless investment is scaled up, Europe will struggle to remain competitive in next-generation space capabilities, including reusable rockets, satellite constellations, and lunar missions.
Strategic Autonomy in the Age of Space Competition
While current ESA–NASA cooperation remains strong—especially in joint missions like the Artemis lunar program and the International Space Station—Aschbacher pointed to the necessity of building up European capacity independently.
He also highlighted growing collaborations with space programs in countries like Australia, the UAE, and India. These partnerships, he said, are part of a long-term diversification strategy to enhance resilience and innovation within the European space sector.
Economic, Environmental, and Security Imperatives
Beyond the geopolitical rationale, ESA’s director general stressed that space technology underpins modern life—from navigation and weather monitoring to communication networks and climate science. Projects such as the Euclid space telescope and next-generation Earth-observation satellites are essential for Europe’s sustainability, security, and economic progress.
“We are talking about investments that directly impact the living standards, prosperity, and global influence of Europe,” Aschbacher said.
