ESA membership will enable Slovenian companies, scientists unique feats, Golob says

"Slovenian companies are achieving breakthrough results in the development of new technologies, communications and materials," said Golob at the ceremony at the Noordung Centre of Space Technologies in Vitanje. Slovenia is determined to be great in space and the Slovenian space sector has great potential, he said. For the first time in the country's history, the government has adopted a national space strategy, he added.

"The space sector, in cooperation with ESA, is developing sophisticated high-tech solutions not only for space, but also to adapt them for use in everyday life. It contributes to solving global challenges, climate change, disaster protection and natural resource management, develops applications and studies of space medicine for human health, satellite technologies such as navigation, observation, communication," the prime minister said.

Investing in space activities is investing in the future, in research and development and in growing business opportunities. The government has more than doubled funding for innovation and development "because it is only know-how and investment that can keep Slovenia at the top globally".

Slovenia becomes a full member of ESA in the year the agency celebrates its 50th anniversary. "Never before have the challenges facing ESA been so great. We are witnessing the space race unfolding. But space must remain and become a place of peaceful cooperation for the benefit of all. Weapons have no place in space, and this is a principle to which ESA has been committed since its inception," said Golob.

ESA director-general Josef Aschbacher said this was a day of celebration and pride. Aschbacher highlighted Slovenia as an important and equal partner. "By becoming a full member, you are not only joining the organisation, but you are cementing your place in a family united by a shared vision of discovering innovation and human progress," he said.

Slovenia brings outstanding capabilities and expertise to ESA, including ground-breaking work in the field of micro-satellites, he said. "Your scientific excellence and entrepreneurial spirit will enrich our mission," he added. In the race for space, cooperation is particularly important, and Slovenia now has the opportunity for its companies and scientists to participate in ESA missions.

A Slovenia-ESA summit was held on Friday to celebrate Slovenia becoming a full ESA member. Full membership is a significant milestone, Economy Minister Matjaž Han said at a press conference after the summit, while Aschbacher said Slovenia was an important and equal partner.

Slovenia's space sector consists of more than 40 companies, development institutes and three universities.

Slovenia has been cooperating with the Paris-based ESA since signing the Cooperation Agreement in 2009. The cooperation was upgraded in 2016 with the signing of an associate membership agreement. In 2024 it ratified the agreement on full membership and became a full member at the start of 2025.