The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and Eurisy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Space Debate Europe 2026 to formalise cooperation between the two organisations in support of their shared work connecting space to policy and society.
ESPI, established in 2003 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a Quasi-International Organisation providing independent analysis and recommendations on European space policy. Eurisy, based in France, is a non-profit association bringing together space agencies, international organisations, research institutions and businesses to encourage the uptake of satellite applications among end-user communities.
The MoU sets out a non-legally binding framework for cooperation in several areas, including:
- Joint work connecting Eurisy’s outreach on satellite applications with ESPI’s policy analysis, in line with ESPI’s 2040 policy vision and Eurisy’s new vision for 2040
- Co-organisation of workshops, seminars and conferences, including around Space Debate Europe and ESPI’s Annual Conference
- Reciprocal participation in each other’s events, including speaking opportunities and invitations
- Exchange or secondment of staff between the two organisations
- Joint publications, articles and other communication materials
The two organisations already cooperate closely through Space Debate Europe, an annual conference held alongside the plenary session of the European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC). Within this format, ESPI runs the policy track and Eurisy runs the society track, bringing together space and non-space audiences around a shared programme.
The MoU also provides for reciprocal participation in governance structures, with each organisation’s president or director eligible for advisory status within the other’s governing bodies, subject to internal approval.
Space needs to demonstrate its value to policy makers. And policy needs to provide value to the people. The cooperation between ESPI and Eurisy will strengthen the connection between space and policy driven by ESPI, and between space and society advocated for by Eurisy.
I believe that this event has clearly demonstrated the synergies that exist between Eurisy and ESPI. I am truly looking forward to turning this Memorandum of Understanding into concrete action and building on the strong foundations we have established here.
About ESPI
The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) was founded in 2003, and is the leading European think tank for space, based in Vienna, Austria. Since 2025, ESPI has been granted the status of Quasi-International Organisation. ESPI is supported by its 23 member organisations, consisting of European institutional actors, national space agencies and corporate members. ESPI is also assisted by an Advisory Council, composed of internationally recognised experts including former ministers, journalists, industry executives and an astronaut.
About Eurisy
Founded in Paris in 1989, Eurisy is a French association dedicated to promoting the uptake of space solutions for societal and economic benefit. Building on its original role in supporting the 1992 International Space Year, Eurisy today brings together 25 members, including space agencies, national space offices and research centres from across Europe and beyond, all working towards a common goal: strengthening the connection between the space sector and society.
For further information, interviews, please contact:
ESPI media contact:
Juliet Hannay
Communications Officer, ESPI
juliet.hannay@espi.eu · +436601741209
Eurisy media contact:
Gabriella Quattropanetti
Communications Officer, Eurisy
gabriella.quattropanetti@eurisy.eu
