Norway and Iceland Join EU Satellite Security Programs

Is IRIS2 Europe's strategic shield for sovereignty or a bloated vanity project that can't compete with Starlink?

Published 1 day ago

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Above: Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and Ambassador of Iceland to the EU Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson on March 26, 2025. Image credit: European Commission

The Spin

Pro-Europe narrative

Norway and Iceland joining IRIS2 is a massive win for European sovereignty — secure satellite connectivity that backs up critical infrastructure like Iceland's submarine cables is exactly what the continent needs. IRIS2 is a strategic shield for crisis management, disaster response and secure government operations. Europe is building real technological independence, and that's worth every euro.

European Commission Euractiv

Establishment-critical narrative

IRIS2 is a bloated, behind-schedule vanity project — $11 billion for only 290 satellites while SpaceX launches thousands for the same price is fiscal insanity. Eutelsat, Europe's best hope for a Starlink rival, is drowning in billions of debt and begging governments for handouts. Starlink is already blanketing the planet with coverage whilst Europe is still in planning mode.

Sawyer Merritt on X

Mario Nawfal on X