EU signs secure satellite connectivity agreement with Norway and Iceland
Date: 2026-03-27
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
European Union has signed a secure connectivity agreement with Norway and
Iceland, enabling both countries to participate in the EU’s GOVSATCOM and IRIS²
Secure Connectivity Programme.
The
agreement was signed by European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius
Kubilius, alongside Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth,
and Iceland’s Ambassador to the EU, Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson.
The
partnership is aimed at strengthening secure, uninterrupted, and rapidly
deployable satellite connectivity, particularly in remote regions where
infrastructure is limited. The services are expected to support public
authorities and emergency response operations, while ensuring the protection of
sensitive information and enhancing air and maritime navigation.
Through
participation in the programmes, Norway and Iceland will enhance capabilities
in crisis management, secure government communications, disaster response,
climate monitoring, and environmental protection. The initiative is also
expected to improve connectivity for remote communities, including access to
essential services such as healthcare.
GOVSATCOM,
which became operational in January 2026, works alongside the IRIS² programme
to provide secure satellite communication services across Europe and partner
countries.
Officials
say the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between
the EU and its partners, reinforcing Europe’s role in global space activities
while supporting broader objectives under the Space Strategy for Europe.
The
collaboration is also expected to contribute to increased technological
resilience and autonomy, as well as closer international cooperation in the
development and deployment of advanced space-based communication systems.
