Poland will host the first ESA center in an eastern flank member state, focused on civil security and resilience. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher announced the facility July 13 in Warsaw. The center represents ESA's first presence in eastern Europe and reflects Poland's growing role in the continent's space sector, though officials did not specify an opening date.
Poland is substantially increasing its space investments to support the initiative. The country committed 51 million euros to ESA for 2023-2025 and plans 731 million euros for 2026-2028, with 550 million euros directed to optional programs including satellite services and robotics development. The Polish government will also establish a 500-million-zloty ($132 million) fund for domestic space companies. ESA said it will begin pre-operational activities from 2027 as preparations continue for the center's gradual development.