Core Points - The European Space Agency (ESA) has approved a record budget of approximately €22.1 billion for the next three years (2026-2028) during the ministerial council meeting held in Bremen, Germany, on November 27 [1] - The significant budget increase aims to ensure Europe's leading position in space exploration and will focus on key scientific, exploration, and technological projects, with substantial investments in Earth observation, navigation, and telecommunications [1] - ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized the growing importance of space activities, highlighting their rapid commercial growth and increasing significance in security and defense [1] - ESA expressed interest in having European astronauts participate in NASA's Artemis lunar program for future moon missions [1] Budget Overview - The new budget of €22.1 billion marks a historic high, surpassing the previous record set in 2022, which was approximately €17 billion for the three-year period [1] - The budget will support the "European Space Resilience Program," aimed at addressing the needs for safety and resilience in European space research [1] Meeting Context - The ESA ministerial council meetings are held every three years, where member states collectively decide on space projects and funding arrangements [1] - The meeting in Bremen reflects the ongoing commitment of ESA member states to enhance their capabilities in space exploration and technology [1]