Iceland and Norway Join EU Satellite Security Programmes

2026-03-26 - 09:52

Iceland and Norway have officially joined two European Union programmes designed to provide secure satellite communications for public authorities and infrastructure managers. The agreement was ratified in Brussels today. As reported by RÚV, Eyjólfur Ármannsson, Iceland’s Minister of Infrastructure, described the move as “a major step” that will strengthen the country’s telecommunications security. What's the Story? Iceland and Norway join EU satellite communications programmes GOVSATCOM and IRIS2, agreement ratified in Brussels, 26 March 2026 Programmes provide secure communications for public authorities, infrastructure managers, and emergency responders Iceland’s membership cost in 2026 is around 127 million ISK EU Flag flies in Iceland. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. The programmes, GOVSATCOM and IRIS2, aim to ensure secure communications for governments, emergency responders, and infrastructure operators. GOVSATCOM connects satellites owned by EU member states through a central control hub. Launched in 2023, IRIS2 is a larger project designed as a Multi-Orbit Constellation, offering wider coverage—including areas north of Iceland. The IRIS2 system is expected to become operational by 2030. Negotiations for Iceland’s membership began in early 2024, initiated by Áslaug Örna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, the then Minister of Higher Education, Industry and Innovation. Under the agreement, Iceland may also support the programmes by providing ground stations or other technical facilities. Although neither Iceland nor Norway will have full governance rights, they will hold observer status in committees and working groups. Membership costs for Iceland are estimated at around 127 million ISK this year, with slightly lower contributions in 2027.