In the course of its meeting in Kiruna,Sweden on March 24 and 25, the European Space Agency Council approved the accession of Greece and Luxembourg to the ESA Convention.

The two countries are expected to become full members of the Agency by December 1, 2005, after their national approval procedures have been completed.

The Hellenic Republic officially applied to join ESA last October, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in December. The ESA Council unanimously approved both applications.

Greece and Luxembourg were granted observer status to attend meetings of ESA's Council and all its subordinate bodies, to enable them to familiarise themselves with the Agency's procedures and working practices.