The EU is strengthening space cooperation with Norway and Iceland through a secure connectivity agreement

The European Union has signed an agreement with Norway and Iceland enabling both countries to join GOVSATCOM and the Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS². The agreement underlines the EU’s commitment to cooperation with these countries.

Secure, uninterrupted and rapidly deployable satellite connectivity is essential for security, resilience and emergency response in remote regions. In areas with limited infrastructure, these services provide reliable connectivity for public authorities and emergency services, whilst protecting sensitive information and facilitating safe air and maritime navigation.

The EU GOVSATCOM system, operational from January 2026, together with the Secure Connectivity Programme, will further strengthen Iceland and Norway’s capabilities in areas such as crisis management, secure government operations and disaster response, climate monitoring and environmental protection. Improved connectivity is also expected to benefit remote communities, including access to healthcare.

The agreement was signed by the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, on behalf of the EU, alongside Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, and Iceland’s Ambassador to the EU, Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson.

This marks a further step in strengthening cooperation with key partners.

Norway and Iceland’s participation in these programmes and their access to the associated services will help them strengthen their connectivity, as well as the EU’s role as a global actor, and will support international cooperation, in line with the Space Strategy for Europe.

“Access to both GOVSATCOM and IRIS² will bolster Iceland and Norway’s response to economic and security challenges, whilst strengthening Europe’s global position,” said Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.

“This agreement represents an important step in bringing Norway closer to the EU’s work on security, resilience and technological independence in space. Norway has excellent space infrastructure and technology. We are living in uncertain times, in which the need for European autonomy is constantly growing. It is therefore essential that we collaborate as the EU develops its new space programmes,” said Minister for Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

“Our participation in the Secure Connectivity and Govsatcom programmes will help strengthen the security and resilience of our communications with the rest of the world. For Iceland, this is crucial and demonstrates the concrete benefits of closer cooperation with the EU in this field,” said His Excellency Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, Iceland’s Ambassador to the EU.

More information: European Commission.