Slovenia has officially become a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA), an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring cooperation among European countries in space exploration for peaceful purposes, according to Al Jazeera Balkans.
The ESA’s programs focus on acquiring information about Earth, its space environment, the Solar System, and the development of satellite technologies and services, while also promoting European industry.
The agency also collaborates closely with space organizations outside of Europe.
Founded in 1975, ESA initially had ten member states. With Slovenia’s inclusion, the agency now has 23 member states, including three non-EU countries—Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—while Canada holds the status of a cooperating member.
Slovenia has been working with ESA since 2009 and became an associated member seven years later. In November 2023, Slovenia submitted its application for full membership at the summit in Seville.
