Lithuania on board in space race

VILNIUS - From now on, Lithuanian business and science will be able to participate in the development of new space technologies and will have the right to use these technologies in their research activities and production, as this is provided for in the agreement on cooperation signed between the government of Lithuania and the European Space Agency (ESA) on Oct. 7, reports news agency ELTA. The agreement was concluded during the international conference Space Economy in the Multipolar World that took place in Vilnius from Oct. 6-8.

The conference was organized by the Lithuanian Association of Space together with Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology and the Economy Ministry.
The agreement allows Lithuanian scientists and business people to receive scientific, technical and organizational assistance from ESA experts without any financial commitment. The agreement was signed by Economy Minister Dainius Kreivys and ESA Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations Peter Hulsroj.

“Cooperation with the European Space Agency and its membership will provide an opportunity for Lithuania to take part in creating and applying the most advanced technologies. This will ensure better Lithuanian high-tech industrial development and increase the competitiveness of the country. What is more, the membership in the European Space Agency will guarantee the return on investment in research and development,” Economy Minister Kreivys said.
The international conference in Vilnius was attended by representatives of the United States, Finland, Germany, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Denmark and other countries.