NEWS STORY : UK and Cyprus Forge Closer Space Collaboration Following Bilateral Summit
STORY
The United Kingdom and Cyprus have taken significant steps to strengthen their partnership in space exploration and technology. This development follows the inaugural Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event held in Nicosia on March 27–28, 2025, which brought together government officials and industry leaders from both nations, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA).
During the summit, the Cypriot government announced its intention to pursue Associate Membership with ESA, aiming to achieve this status by 2026. This move is expected to enhance Cyprus’s space sector and foster deeper collaboration with ESA member states, including the UK.
Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency, highlighted the potential of this partnership:
“There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to add a new dimension to the UK’s strong partnership with Cyprus. This has never been more important, with space firmly established as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental protection and national security.”
The event featured working sessions on various topics, including regulation, space strategy development, commercial opportunities, and future missions within ESA. Representatives from ten UK space companies and fourteen Cypriot entities presented their capabilities, while ESA officials discussed potential funding programs to support joint initiatives.
Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, expressed appreciation for the UK’s support:
“The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well as among delegations, is encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction. We are especially grateful for the UK’s continued support of our efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem.”
Building on the momentum from the Nicosia event, the UK Space Agency plans to host a reciprocal visit by Cypriot government officials, academics, and companies later this year. Both countries aim to map existing capabilities and identify areas for future collaboration, reinforcing their commitment to advancing space exploration and technology together.
