The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) is proud to announce that it has been granted Quasi-International Organisation (QuIO) Status by its host nation, Austria, in accordance with the Austrian Headquarters Law. This is an extraordinary honour that represents the most significant institutional milestone in the Institute’s more than 20-year history.
This recognition also acknowledges the surge in demand for independent advice on strategic space policy matters from European governments and agencies, which is reflected by a growth of 50% in ESPI’s membership base over the past three years.
This marks a new chapter in ESPI’s evolution, strengthening its mandate and role in Europe, acting in non-profit organisation capacity and promoting the general good, with the purpose to promote European space policy on an international and global level; provide independent analyses, proposals and recommendations to European decision-makers and institutions; and raise public awareness on strategic space issues.
Austria is a strong advocate of international cooperation for the peaceful use of outer space. Since 2003, this includes ESPI in Vienna, which has become an important part of the global space community. With its highly recognised and independent research, ESPI promotes European space policy worldwide. The new status of Quasi-international Organisation (QuIO) reflects ESPI’s growing importance at a time of profound geo-political and geo-economic change. Space has growing significance for policy, the economy and society. Austria is committed to further strengthening ESPI’s role in support of space diplomacy for prosperity, peace and future generations.
Recognition, Empowerment & International Impact
This new international status further empowers ESPI’s mandate and it enables ESPI to further extend its reach across Europe and globally.
This development aligns with ESPI’s vision and purpose, as defined in ESPI2040 and as expressed in its Statutes, to increase policy impact and space for prosperity, peace and future generations, build understanding and trust, facilitate informed debate, foster international cooperation, and serve as a bridge between Europe and the world on strategic space issues to the benefit of society.
Europe is a trusted partner on the global space landscape, and ESA plays a key role through a large number of cooperation agreements with international partners. The time is now to leverage on this solid basis and to keep building Europe's future in space. As one of the founders of ESPI in 2003, ESA is proud to see ESPI’s international role being recognized today at highest political level, with the Government of Austria granting the status of a Quasi-International Organisation to ESPI. This recognition will further support ESPI’s activities to promote European space policy globally, as Europe’s independent Think Tank for space. It will add to the resilience of the Institute at a time when independent voices become increasingly critical. ESA is determined to further strengthen its support to ESPI through an increased budget allocation for the years 2026-2028.
As ESPI steps into this new era, we will continue to champion Europe’s role and ambition in space, broaden its global collaborations, and deepen its policy impact; all the while continually emboldened by the opportunities and responsibilities that this prestigious status brings.
The Institute would like to thank its Founders and Host Country, Members, Advisory Council, its team, and its broader community of partners and collaborators, in Europe and abroad, for their support over the last 20 years. This new chapter would not be possible without you.
Joining Distinguished Group of Organisations with Stringent Requirements
The granting of Quasi-International Organisation Status is a strategic step forward.
It positions ESPI alongside a distinguished group of Quasi-International Organisations based in Austria, underlining the extraordinary nature of this designation.
By being granted this status, it showcases that ESPI complies with a demanding set requirements such as:
- Level of State or International Organisation Involvement – There are currently 17 ESPI members representing states, international organisations or institutions that carry out tasks of these entities. ESPI activities are closely aligned with those of the European Space Agency as a founding member, the European Commission, and EUMETSAT.
- Importance of International Scope – ESPI currently has an international staff of more than 20 nationalities, and conducts research, engagement, and education activities across and beyond Europe.
Austria is a strong advocate of international cooperation for the peaceful use of space. Since 2003 this includes ESPI in Vienna, which over the years has become an essential part of the global space community. ESPI is highly recognised for its independent research, providing a solid foundation for recommendations to European institutions and for the promotion of European space policy globally, at the heart of ESPI’s mandate. The new status of QuIO today recognizes ESPI’s increased importance at a time of geo-political and geo-economic shifts, deeply affecting space. It will empower ESPI’s role as a European actor and trusted partner internationally. Austria is committed to further strengthening ESPI’s development in support to space diplomacy for prosperity, peace and future generations, and looks forward to welcoming the ESPI Annual Conference at the Vienna City Hall.
Looking Ahead – For a Strong Europe, as a Trusted Global Partner
ESPI will continue to step up its efforts in support of Europe’s new level of ambition in space. The Institute is determined to continue its growth, at scale with the overall evolution of Europe in space, guided by its ESPI2040 policy vision operationalised by its forthcoming 2030 Implementation Plan.
ESPI’s most valuable asset is its people, and one of the most immediate and impactful changes will be our ability to attract talent also from beyond the EU, drawing on the expertise of leading minds from all over the world. This has already been operationalised through ESPI’s recent Choose Europe recruitment campaign, which garnered more than 1,000 applications, with 40% from outside Europe.
To reflect on this milestone of international significance, we have updated ESPI’s website appearance to emphasise our pan-European identity and operations across borders.
ESPI will continue to grow its international presence, to position Europe as a strong partner to the world, by increasing its international engagement and looking towards establishing a permanent presence in regions also outside of Europe.
The decision at highest political level to grant ESPI QuIO status is a pivotal moment for the future of the institute. It comes at a time of profound geo-political change. In what some refer to as “the perfect storm”, ESPI stands for independent analysis, and critical but always constructive dialogue. The Institute is recognised for encouraging substantiated debate, for being “Echt”. QuIO will further empower ESPI in its efforts to build trust and help construct bridges within Europe and globally. The recognition also magnificently concludes my first mandate as Director of ESPI and provides an outstanding foundation for the second mandate and beyond, to significantly increase the policy impact of space in all domains of society and economy, for peace, prosperity and the future of our children. In this, I appreciate the trust and reconfirmed support from the founders of ESPI for the challenges ahead. Thank you. The years ahead will be most demanding. They will require brave leadership. ESPI together with its members, advisors and stakeholders will help realise Europe’s increasing ambition in space and shape Europe’s role with like-minded partners globally.
With this new ESPI chapter comes new opportunities and along with them the responsibility to uphold the principles of our Quasi-International Organisation status. It is our privilege to pursue this goal with dedication, building on this special recognition and honouring it through our future achievements. Our thanks go to those who worked with us tirelessly behind the scenes, whose efforts made this journey possible. With our QuIO position granted, we will be able to look forward to the years ahead.
