Poland is a member of the European space agency

On September 13, Poland became the 20th member of the European Space Agency (ECA), after representatives of the Polish and ECA governments exchanged corresponding agreements that were approved by the two sides in the afternoon. same day at the Kopernik Science Center in Warsaw.

Speaking at the ceremony, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Waldemar Pavlyak said ECA's official membership allows Poland to fully participate in European projects on exploration and Conquer the space on the basis of applying the most advanced technology, opening up great possibilities for Warsaw in the field of space research and exploration cooperation.

ECA Director-General Jan-Jack Dorden said that although he has not become an official member of ECA, until now, Poland has made great contributions to the operation of the European Space Agency, especially to Warsaw period undertook the responsibility of the rotating President of the European Union (EU).

Mr. Dorden expressed his hope that participating in ECA will contribute to Poland's strong competitiveness on the basis of applying the common achievements of the European Space Agency. He stressed that investment in the space sector is investment for the future, contributing to the development of science and technology and bringing about political benefits.

According to ECA regulations, in the first year as a member of this agency, Poland is obliged to contribute 48 million USD, the main reason why Warsaw delayed its participation in ECA in the past 18 years, despite 80% of contributions This is repaid to ECA by ECA in the form of funding to implement projects related to space technology.

ECA was established in 1975 with an annual operating budget of nearly 4 billion euros.