Lithuania to become ESA's associate member

Lithuania will become an associate member of the European Space Agency after the country's Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrine Armonaite signed an association agreement.

"Businesses implementing projects under ESA programs are creating higher added value, and Lithuania's ESA membership will bring around 8.4 million euros in returns for our country every year," the minister was quoted as saying in a statement.

Lithuania's ESA associate membership will boost the competitiveness of the country's science and business sectors and will bring direct benefit to the country's economy. One euro invested by participants of airspace projects is estimated to bring at least 3.5 euros in value, the ministry said.

The Seimas of Lithuania is expected to ratify the country's agreement with the ESA by September 27.