When the ministerial council of the European Space Agency (ESA) gathered for their triennial meeting in Bremen, Germany, late last year, the delegations faced big decisions. Photograph: Courtesy of European Space AgencyThe long-term roadmap framed much of our conversation in Sydney. A new view of the spiral galaxy IC 342, captured by the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope. “Irish companies show how imagination and courage can compete within any budget.”That spirit was evident again in Bremen. The ministerial council was not simply a vote on European programmes; it was also a moment for reflection at home.

Source: The Irish Times January 29, 2026 09:01 UTC