Attending the ESA Ministerial Council CM25 in Bremen last week was a profoundly uplifting experience. As a staunch internationalist, an enthusiast for European unity, and a contributor to the development of space activities for more than half a century, I found it truly inspirational to witness the 23 National Delegations unite in their commitment to building a stronger, more self-reliant, and ambitious European space programme – and to back that vision with the necessary resources.

The experience reinforced a powerful conviction:

ESA is much more than a space agency. It is a shining example of what humanity can achieve through collaboration. We now face daunting challenges – climate change, biodiversity loss, the growing threat of armed conflict. These are problems we can only solve by working together. ESA provides a blueprint for that cooperation. It delivers. We should nurture and champion it, not just for its immense direct benefits, but because it lights the way to a better future for us all.