The European Space Agency and the European Union have completed a framework agreement to expand their cooperation in the area of space exploration and exploitation. Signature is expected before the end of this month. The framework agreement has two main aims. The first is the coherent and progressive development of an overall European space policy, which will specifically seek to link demand for services and applications using space systems in support of EU policies with the supply through ESA of space systems and infrastructures necessary to meet that demand. The second aim is to establish a common basis and appropriate practical arrangements for cooperation between ESA and the European Union.