ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher convened senior representatives from member states on the third day of the International Astronautical Congress in 2026 to discuss Europe's strategic priorities in human and robotic space exploration. The session, titled 'Europe's exploration ambition,' brought together officials from Italy's ASI, France's CNES, Slovenia's Space Office, Spain's AEE, the UK Space Agency, Germany's DLR, and other national bodies. Participants examined how Europe might expand its role in low Earth orbit operations beyond the International Space Station, develop independent lunar access capabilities, and strengthen commercial partnerships. Aschbacher emphasized that increased European autonomy would not mean isolation but rather the ability to contribute more effectively to global missions. He indicated that detailed cost assessments and implementation scenarios would be presented to ministers ahead of the December 2026 Intermediate Ministerial Meeting in Rome, with long-term planning extending toward the 2028 Ministerial-level Council.

A separate panel addressed the protection of astronomical observation conditions amid growing satellite constellation activity. ESA formalized cooperation with the International Astronomical Union's Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky (IAU CPS) through a memorandum of understanding. The agreement aims to address challenges posed by reflected light and radio interference from megaconstellations that threaten ground-based and space-based scientific observations.

In recognition of contributions to European space infrastructure, ESA Director of Space Transportation Géraldine Naja received the 2026 Women In Aerospace Europe Outstanding Achievement Award. In her acceptance remarks, she highlighted the growing participation of women in space careers and expressed hope that her daughters would see themselves as part of the sector's future. Naja noted that exploration initiatives must deliver tangible societal and economic benefits while maintaining Europe's role as a reliable international partner.