Netherlands to Keep ESA Funding Stable Until 2028

On October 10th, the Netherland’s Council of Ministers approved Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans’ proposal regarding space program funding for the upcoming triennium. The Dutch government has committed €344.3 million to the European Space Agency (ESA) for the next three years; including national space programs, total expenditure will reach €550 million between 2026 and 2028.

This proposal, which aligns with the Long-Term Space Agenda adopted in January 2024, highlights increasing vulnerability in the availability of satellite data, products, and services for both civil and military applications. Despite this, however, the recommendation is to maintain current expenditure levels without significant increases.

The Cabinet has resolved to retain ESA program contributions at a nominal €170 million, consistent with the allocation from the 2022 conference. The outlined budget allocates €69.9 million for basic activities and the European launch base in Kourou, €170 million for participation in ESA programs, and €104.4 million as mandatory contributions to the ESA Science Program. This totals €344.3 million, reflecting a modest increase over the prior three-year spend of €319.7 million, including an additional €10.9 million for basic activities and the launch base, and €13.7 million more for science-related contributions.

During the 2023-2025 period, the Netherlands made a one-off contribution of €53.6 million, resulting in a combined expenditure of €373.3 million - €29 million higher than the proposed allocation for 2026–2028.

Key investments outside of mandatory contributions will include €40–50 million for ESA Earth Observation programs, €40–45 million for ESA’s launcher program, and €25–30 million for ESA Technology programs. The Netherlands will make only minimal contributions to ESA’s exploration programs, thereby meeting existing obligations and maintaining representation on the program council.