On March 20, 2025, the European Space Agency adopted its long-term Strategy 2040, outlining goals to enhance European autonomy and resilience, including ensuring independent access to space. The strategy comes amid geopolitical shifts, with discussions noting tensions related to actions by the new Trump administration.

ESA's contractor workforce faces significant restrictions through non-compete clauses which limit job mobility and access to improved wages. The agency's policy shift to transition more indirect employees into service positions—outside the protection of enhanced labor laws—highlights systemic labor rights abuses in an environment already prone to work harassment.

An internal survey conducted by ESA's staff association revealed that nearly 30% of employees have experienced or witnessed workplace harassment, including bullying, mobbing, and moral harassment. The survey, which collected responses from 2,751 workers across multiple European centers, highlights significant issues in workplace safety and employee treatment at the agency.

A news article from Ars Technica reports allegations that the European Space Agency fosters a culture of harassment toward its contractors, highlighting concerns over how temporary contract workers are treated under a system that lacks proper protections.

In June 2023, the ESA Council approved a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Code of Conduct which establishes ethical, social, and environmental standards for its suppliers. The initiative aims to enhance corporate responsibility across the space sector by ensuring adherence to human and labor rights, sustainability, and sound governance.