Cyprus and France agree to cooperate on Earth observation and satellite communications

Cyprus and France have signed a joint declaration on cooperation in Earth observation, space science and satellite communications. The announcement was made by Cyprus Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou following the International Space Summit in Paris.

According to Damianou, the island has changed its role in the sector over the past few years. “In recent years, Cyprus has essentially evolved from being a user of space services into an emerging player in the European space ecosystem,” he said.

Cyprus became an associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and invested in ground-based satellite infrastructure, specialised facilities and secure communications channels. Last year, a business incubator for companies working with space technologies opened in Limassol.

Damianou noted that the functioning of the state increasingly depends on space: “Our ability to understand climate change, respond to natural disasters, strengthen connectivity and industrial capabilities, protect critical infrastructure and support innovation, as well as our defence capabilities, technological leadership and strategic autonomy, increasingly depend on space.”

According to the deputy minister, Cyprus is establishing itself as a reliable partner in space innovation and Earth observation in a strategically important region. The declaration with France continues the course set by Presidents Nikos Christodoulides and Emmanuel Macron: during his visit to the island in April 2026, the French leader spoke about his country’s role in strengthening Cyprus’s defence capabilities and developing its infrastructure.