International cooperation in space within ESA

The various areas and missions involving international cooperation and coordination with ESA and its various space partners are reviewed. Special mention is made of cooperation with NASA which has been a privileged partner of ESA for many years. The past and future activities conducted within the Inter Agency Consultative Group (IACG) are also mentioned. It is shown that the apparent loss of independence which may result from extensive international cooperation can be corrected through the existence of a Long Term Plan.