EU and Ukraine Sign Agreement on Ukraine’s Participation in components of the EU Space Programme

Brussels, 09^th April 2025 – The European Commission and the Government of Ukraine have reached a significant milestone in space cooperation by signing an agreement enabling Ukraine's participation in three key components of the European Union Space Programme: Copernicus, Space Weather Events (SWE) and Near-Earth Objects (NEO) sub-components. This step further strengthens the longstanding partnership between the EU and Ukraine in the domain of space. 

This agreement builds upon the existing cooperation framework established under Chapter 8 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement signed in 2014, which covers satellite navigation, Earth observation, space science, and applied space technologies. It also follows the 2018 Copernicus Cooperation Arrangement that laid the groundwork for reciprocal Earth observation data-sharing.

Strengthening Space Collaboration with Ukraine

The EU and Ukraine agreed on a participation  in Copernicus, SWE and NEO This Agreement marks the first step in Ukraine’s ever closer association  to the Union Space Programme. It was prepared in close consultation with Ukrainian authorities whereas Council was kept regularly informed thereof..

Strategic Benefits for both Ukraine and the EU

Ukraine’s participation will support recovery efforts by enhancing access to EU space services and fostering space innovation:

• Copernicus: Ukraine will benefit from high-quality Earth observation data to support energy and food security, environmental monitoring, and post-war reconstruction planning.
• Space Weather Services: Ukrainian satellite operators will gain access to future forecasting and nowcasting services, providing protection to national space infrastructure from solar and cosmic hazards.
• Near-Earth Objects: Cooperation in this area will bolster Ukraine’s capacity to monitor and respond to risks posed by asteroids and other near-Earth bodies.

The Agreement also promotes capacity building, supports the growth of Ukraine’s space sector, and encourages the exchange of engineering expertise and business practices, thereby enriching the broader European space ecosystem.

A Gradual and Structured Path Forward

While exploring a potential participation in other components of the Union Space Programme, including satellite navigation and secure connectivity, Copernicus and the selected sub-components already offer Ukrainian participation in the Programme.

A Framework for Renewed Cooperation

As part of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, space cooperation is well established through the bilateral Working Group on Space Cooperation, which can meet at senior official level as needed. The last meeting took place in 2023 and the Working Group is projected to meet again in 2025. 

Looking Ahead: Ukraine’s Path Towards European Integration (also in Space)

Ukraine’s progressive association to the EU Space Programme underscores the strategic value of EU-Ukraine relations and affirms the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience, and technological development. This agreement paves the way for deeper space cooperation and marks a crucial step in Ukraine’s European integration course.