Strategy 2040, EUMETSAT’s new strategy for the next decade, was officially presented today at the EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference in Darmstadt. It focuses on enhancing secure, reliable, user-driven and cost-effective 24/7 satellite data services that respond to evolving user requirements, while preparing future systems for the organisation’s Member States.
As environmental, economic and geopolitical pressures reshape Europe’s needs, the strategy aims to ensure long-term continuity through independent, resilient and trusted space- and ground-based systems, supported by new satellite programmes, advanced digital services, innovation and cooperation. A key priority for EUMETSAT over the coming decade will be to ensure the security and resilience of its independent and autonomous capabilities, particularly as geopolitical uncertainty grows and satellite data increasingly support security-related applications.
“Reliable satellite data is no longer only a scientific or operational asset — it is a critical capability for public safety, resilience and informed decision-making,” said Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT.
“With this new strategy, EUMETSAT will focus on delivering the full value of its new satellite systems today, while preparing the future programmes, partnerships and digital services needed to keep Europe’s weather and climate information trusted, secure and cost-effective.”
By 2040, EUMETSAT aims to strengthen its role as a globally trusted and leading operational agency for weather, climate and Earth system monitoring from space. The strategy is built around three mutually reinforcing priorities: delivering enhanced operational services, preparing future systems through innovation, and developing the partnerships, organisation and people needed to sustain continuity, resilience and value for its 30 Member States.
Delivering more value today
A major priority is to ensure that EUMETSAT’s Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) and EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG) systems now deliver their full benefits for weather forecasting, climate monitoring and Earth system services.
When fully deployed by the end of 2026, MTG and EPS-SG will form an unparalleled European operational Earth observation capability, supporting better forecasts and severe weather warnings, sustained climate data records and more informed decision-making across Europe.
Preparing future satellite systems
Through 2040, EUMETSAT will prepare future systems through innovation and new operational concepts, including EPS-Sterna, planned EPS-Aeolus and Altimetry programmes, and the use of commercial providers where they can add value.
It will also begin preparing the next generations of its core satellite programmes (Meteosat Fourth Generation and EUMETSAT Polar System – Third Generation) in close consultation with users. This will ensure future systems respond to evolving operational needs and provide seamless continuity of services beyond the 2040s through a resilient, flexible and affordable architecture.
Future-proofing digital data and ground infrastructure
The EUMETSAT strategy 2040 will also guide the evolution of its data services and strengthen synergies between key European infrastructures, including EUMETCast, the EUMETSAT Data Store, the European Weather Cloud, WEkEO, the Destination Earth data lake and emerging European data spaces for weather and climate.
The strategy will also support future use of AI and machine learning to improve service performance and provide affordable new functionalities for users.
EUMETSAT will also pursue a multi-mission ground system approach for future programmes, using common building blocks that can be reused and upgraded across missions to reduce IT, cybersecurity and maintenance risks.
Cooperation and people as strategic enablers
To deliver enhanced operational services and prepare future systems, EUMETSAT will rely on strong cooperation in Europe and internationally.
As part of the European Meteorological Infrastructure, EUMETSAT will continue to work alongside its Member States, their national meteorological and hydrological services, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and EUMETNET to maximise the collective value and impact of Europe’s weather and climate data and services.
The organisation will also consolidate its role as a trusted operational partner in Europe by maximising synergies with EU programmes, including Copernicus and Destination Earth, while preserving its independent intergovernmental character. International cooperation will remain essential, including to support the use of EUMETSAT data and services in Africa to enhance forecasting capabilities, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Delivering these ambitions will also require the right organisation, skills and culture. By investing in open recruitment, internal mobility, targeted training and staff engagement, EUMETSAT will ensure it has the expertise and continuity needed to deliver trusted services today and prepare the systems of tomorrow.
Read the full Strategy 2040 strategy and supporting documents here.