EU-Iceland Agreement on the participation of Iceland in GOVSATCOM and in the Union Secure Connectivity Programme

The European Parliament adopted by 631 votes to 7, with 15 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland laying down the rules for participation of Iceland in the GOVSATCOM component of the Union Space Programme and in the Union Secure Connectivity Programme, and for access to GOVSATCOM services and to the governmental services of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.

The agreement establishes the terms and conditions for Iceland's participation in both programmes. It will strengthen the capacity to provide secure communications for governments and security services while also fostering the development of commercial broadband connectivity, thereby contributing to bridging the digital divide and ensuring improved coverage in remote and strategically significant areas.

The agreement reflects Iceland's geographical importance in the Arctic region and is intended to strengthen cooperation on secure satellite connectivity and space-based communications. It strengthens the EU strategic posture which is an objective of the European Union Space Strategy for Security and Defence.

Lastly, the implementation of the agreement is to be monitored by the EU and Iceland through a Joint Committee.