EU promotes Ukraine’s participation in EU safe space services

The European Commission has today proposed to Member States to authorise the opening of negotiations with Ukraine regarding its participation in the government satellite communications component (Govsatcom) of the EU Space Programme and the EU’s Secure Connectivity Programme. Govsatcom is designed to provide secure and resilient satellite communication capabilities by pooling and sharing existing satellite assets of Member States and private operators. Strengthened collaboration on the Govsatcom component is necessary to boost Ukraine’s participation in the EU Space Programme. A first step was taken in April 2025, when the EU and Ukraine signed an agreement on Ukraine’s participation in Copernicus, as well as in the space weather and NEO sub-components of the EU Space Programme.

This initiative is in addition to the EU’s wider investment in advanced space capabilities – such as IRIS2 – to be deployed between now and 2030 to provide secure and resilient communications across Europe and beyond. It is also in line with the EU’s continued support to Ukraine through other instruments, such as SAFE.

This future agreement will strengthen the resilience of the EU’s connectivity infrastructure by providing additional secure communications capacity in a region of strategic importance. It also supports broader EU objectives in the framework of the Global Gateway strategy and the Joint White Paper “European Defence Preparedness 2030”. The negotiations mark a further step in deepening the partnership between the EU and Ukraine in areas essential for Europe’s security and stability.

Ukraine’s participation will be confirmed following the conclusion of an international agreement under Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technology Sovereignty, Security and Democracy said: “Secure connectivity is essential for Europe’s resilience. By stepping up our cooperation with Ukraine, we strengthen our shared security and our ability to act in a rapidly changing world.

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space commented: “Ukraine’s participation will strengthen Europe’s secure space capabilities at a critical moment. This is a decisive step towards a stronger and more united Europe, capable of protecting its citizens both on the ground and in space.

More information: European Commission