EU boosts space cooperation with Norway and Iceland with Secure Connectivity Agreement

The European Union has signed an Agreement with Norway and Iceland allowing both countries to join GOVSATCOM and the Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS². The Agreement highlights the EU’s commitment to cooperation with those countries.

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

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

The Agreement was signed by European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius on behalf of the EU alongside Ms Cecilie Myrseth Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry and Mr Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, Ambassador of Iceland to the EU.

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

Norway’s and Iceland’s participation in these programmes and their access to associated services will help them strengthening 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 reinforce the response by Iceland and Norway to security and economic challenges while strengthening Europe’s global position,” said Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius.

 ‘’The agreement marks a significant step towards bringing Norway closer to 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. We are living in uncertain times, during which the need for European autonomy is continuously growing. It is therefore important that we work together when the EU is developing its new space programs, says the Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.’’