Slovakia becomes a partner of the European Space Agency

Access to strategic information and know-how in the field of space activities and the development of satellite services by Slovak scientists should improve, according to an agreement concluded between the Slovak Education, Science, Research and Sport Ministry and the European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday. Under the agreement, Slovakia has officially become a cooperating partner of the agency. Slovak research and development organisations and innovative firms will gain the opportunity to participate in international projects directed at developing technologies used in the space sector as well as in other fields of the economy. Slovakia's membership fee will be €1.4 million a year, but at least 85 percent of this sum should return to the Slovak economy via projects carried out by Slovak scientists. Actual calls for projects will be announced this year. Slovakia should acquire fully-fledged membership after five years. Until then, it will have the status of a Cooperating State.