Europe expands its satellite network: Norway and Iceland join GOVSATCOM and IRIS²

Norway’s and Iceland’s participation in these programmes will aid in strengthening their connectivity and bolster the EU’s role as a global actor.

The European Union has inked an agreement with Norway and Iceland , allowing both nations to join GOVSATCOM and the Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS² . This collaboration underscores the EU's dedication to fostering cooperation with these countries. Secure, reliable satellite connectivity is crucial for security, resilience, and emergency response, particularly in remote regions with limited infrastructure.

GOVSATCOM, operational since January 2026, alongside the Secure Connectivity Programme, will bolster the capabilities of Iceland and Norway in crisis management, secure government operations, disaster response, climate monitoring, and environmental protection. Enhanced connectivity is anticipated to benefit remote communities, including improved access to healthcare and other essential services.

The agreement was signed by European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius , with Cecilie Myrseth , Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, and Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson , Ambassador of Iceland to the EU.

This marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation with key partners. Norway’s and Iceland’s participation in these programmes will aid in strengthening their connectivity and bolster the EU’s role as a global actor.

Participation in these initiatives will support international cooperation, aligning with the Space Strategy for Europe. Commissioner Kubilius emphasized that access to GOVSATCOM and IRIS² will enhance Iceland's and Norway's response to security and economic challenges while reinforcing Europe's global stature.

Minister Myrseth noted, "The agreement marks a significant step towards bringing Norway closer to the EU’s work on security, resilience, and technological independence in space. Norway has great space infrastructure and technology to offer when it comes to space."

Ambassador Jóhannesson remarked, "Our participation in the Secure Connectivity and the Govsatcom Programmes will contribute to strengthening the security and resilience of our communications with the wider world. For Iceland, this is essential and demonstrates the concrete benefits of working closer with the EU in this area."

GOVSATCOM functions as a European hub, consolidating existing national and private capacity to meet governmental needs. Its services will commence in 2024, with full capacity expected by 2027. IRIS², a 12-year concession project awarded to the SpaceRISE consortium, aims to deploy a multi-orbit constellation of over 290 satellites to provide government services by 2030.

The core team of IRIS² includes notable entities such as Hisdesat, Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, and Orange . This collaboration is expected to enhance communication capabilities and resilience across the participating regions, offering a robust platform for addressing future challenges.

The European Union has inked an agreement with Norway and Iceland , allowing both nations to join GOVSATCOM and the Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS² . This collaboration underscores the EU's dedication to fostering cooperation with these countries. Secure, reliable satellite connectivity is crucial for security, resilience, and emergency response, particularly in remote regions with limited infrastructure.

GOVSATCOM, operational since January 2026, alongside the Secure Connectivity Programme, will bolster the capabilities of Iceland and Norway in crisis management, secure government operations, disaster response, climate monitoring, and environmental protection. Enhanced connectivity is anticipated to benefit remote communities, including improved access to healthcare and other essential services.

The agreement was signed by European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius , with Cecilie Myrseth , Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, and Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson , Ambassador of Iceland to the EU.

This marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation with key partners. Norway’s and Iceland’s participation in these programmes will aid in strengthening their connectivity and bolster the EU’s role as a global actor.

Participation in these initiatives will support international cooperation, aligning with the Space Strategy for Europe. Commissioner Kubilius emphasized that access to GOVSATCOM and IRIS² will enhance Iceland's and Norway's response to security and economic challenges while reinforcing Europe's global stature.

Minister Myrseth noted, "The agreement marks a significant step towards bringing Norway closer to the EU’s work on security, resilience, and technological independence in space. Norway has great space infrastructure and technology to offer when it comes to space."

Ambassador Jóhannesson remarked, "Our participation in the Secure Connectivity and the Govsatcom Programmes will contribute to strengthening the security and resilience of our communications with the wider world. For Iceland, this is essential and demonstrates the concrete benefits of working closer with the EU in this area."

GOVSATCOM functions as a European hub, consolidating existing national and private capacity to meet governmental needs. Its services will commence in 2024, with full capacity expected by 2027. IRIS², a 12-year concession project awarded to the SpaceRISE consortium, aims to deploy a multi-orbit constellation of over 290 satellites to provide government services by 2030.

The core team of IRIS² includes notable entities such as Hisdesat, Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, and Orange . This collaboration is expected to enhance communication capabilities and resilience across the participating regions, offering a robust platform for addressing future challenges.

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