The European Space Agency (ESA) and Canada signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) on Monday, creating a legally binding framework for the exchange of classified information.

The agreement was signed at the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell, representing the government of Canada.

ESA said the deal will ensure secure handling of sensitive information by authorized institutions and industry partners, while strengthening cooperation in areas such as space-based surveillance, disaster response and security-related technologies. It will also support the development of dual-use capabilities, including secure communications and advanced sensing systems.

“This agreement marks an important step in the evolution of our long-standing partnership with Canada,” Aschbacher said. Campbell called the deal “another important milestone” that will create new opportunities for innovation and support Canadian industry.