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Norway & Iceland Join EU Satellite Security Programs

Norway & Iceland Join EU Satellite Security Programs

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 26 March, 2025.  Image credit: European Commission

The Spin

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 isn'tis just a communications tool; it's a strategic shield for crisis management, disaster response and secure government operations. Europe is building real technological independence, and that's worth every euro.

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 $2.7billions billion of debt and begging governments for handouts. Starlink is already blanketing the planet with coverage whilewhilst Europe is still negotiatingin budgetplanning linesmode.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 50% chance that 12,400 Starlink sateliites will be in operation on Jan. 1, 2028, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0