An Inspiring Eurisy Members’ Day
On 16 December, Eurisy brought together its members and partners at the European Space Agency Headquarters in Paris for an inspiring day of dialogue, collaboration, and strategic reflection.
The Members Day was an opportunity to celebrate the milestones achieved over the past year and to reflect on the collective journey of the Eurisy community. At the same time, it marked an important moment to look ahead, taking decisive steps toward shaping the future of the association and laying the foundations for an exciting new chapter.
A key highlight of the day was the discussion of Eurisy’s 2026 Strategy, developed in close dialogue with members through an interactive workshop structured around three working groups focusing on:
- Communication and engagement strategies
- Eurisy thematic priorities and emerging domains of interest & Disaster Risk Management
- Education and skills development strategies and projects
Throughout the day, discussions also centred on Eurisy’s current activities and priorities, notably through a dedicated panel on “Operationalising Space Services in Europe.”
Bringing together perspectives from Northern Ireland, Slovakia, France, and the private sector, the panel explored the conditions needed to successfully integrate satellite data into everyday operational services. Topics ranged from public user engagement and governance models to capacity-building and collaboration with industry. Speakers shared practical insights from their national administrations, addressing challenges such as engaging government stakeholders, developing pilot projects, and scaling them into fully operational services. The discussion also highlighted the significant opportunities created by Europe’s rapidly expanding space infrastructures.
With:
- Susan Heaney, Northern Ireland Space Office
- Frederic Bretar, Centre National d’Études Spatiales/ SCO | Space for Climate Observatory
- Michal Brichta, Slovak Space Office
- Francesca Piatto, EARSC
- Žaklin Butinar, Eurisy Research Manager
Beyond strategy and operations, the Eurisy Members Day was above all a moment to connect and reaffirm our shared values. We were delighted to host the signing of the Space for Climate Observatory Charter by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC). Through this commitment, IEEC strengthens partnerships within a global community dedicated to leveraging space-based technologies for climate action, advancing monitoring, mitigation, and adaptation efforts worldwide.
- Frederic Bretar, Centre National d’Études Spatiales/ SCO | Space for Climate Observatory (left)
- Josep Colomé, Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia IEEC (right)
The day concluded with a strong focus on the members themselves. IEEC presented the Catalonia Space Strategy 2030, and Eurisy proudly welcomed two new institutions into its community: the Slovenian Space Office (currently in the process of joining Eurisy) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which officially became a member on the same day. Both institutions introduced themselves to the community and began their journey within the Eurisy network.
- Josep Colomé, Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC)
- Maruška Strah, Slovenian Space Office
- Vincent-Henri Peuch, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
More stories and milestones await—stay with us as we enter an exciting new year!
