Discussing Norway’s participation in the EU’s next space program

The meeting in Brussels will form the basis for the further cooperation between Norwegian authorities and the Norwegian space sector concerning Norway’s participation in the EU's next space program, starting in 2028.

The meeting took place at Norway House in Brussels on Monday the 16th of September 2024, with representatives of Norwegian authorities, the Norwegian space and defense sector, and the Norwegian research community.

The following day the delegation met with representatives of the European Commission, the Diplomatic Service of the European Union (EEAS), the current and next Presidency countries of the European Council, and NATO.

EU’s space program is included in the EEA agreement

The central pillar in the Norwegian public support of space activities is the participation in international programs of technology development, including the EU’s space program.

In the autumn of 2021, EU’s space program for the period of 2021 to 2027 was included in the European Economic Area Agreement, which Norway is a member of.

By sharing both infrastructure, services and technology, Norway is an important partner for the EU space program. Norway’s participation has been mutually beneficial for both parties, and this is expected for the next EU space program as well.

Thus, Norway wishes to continue and expand its participation in the EU space program, to contribute to new laws and regulations, with the aim of securing full and mutually beneficial participation in all relevant space activities.

Increase already strong partnerships

Not the least does the changing security situation of today show that Norway more than ever needs to increase already strong partnerships, and expand cooperation in strategic and security related areas, such as space.

Our shared resilience will be strengthened if we deepen our close partnerships and work together towards a higher level of security and integrity of the European satellite-based infrastructure.

It is therefore important to avoid decisions that lead to exclusion or limitations of Norway’s participation in space related activities.

Norway has a lot to offer for space

Norway’s geography and location are especially advantageous for downlinking data from satellites in polar orbits, and for launches to such orbits.

Norway wishes to contribute to ensure European access to space through the new launch base at Andøya, and via secure satellite downlinking at Svalbard and in Antarctica.

In addition, Norway’s own infrastructure for satellite-based services is well exploited and easily accessible, due to Norway’s large maritime areas, extensive coastline and demanding natural environment. 

The Norwegian space sector employs approximately 3000 people and is growing quickly.

- A natural and important position for Norway

- Norway’s participation in the current EU space program components, Galileo and Copernicus, has proven to be exceedingly important for our country, says Mr. Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of the Norwegian Space Agency.

With the rapid development and importance of other space capacities tied to monitoring and controlling of space traffic (due to quickly increasing numbers of satellites in orbit), space weather (the effect of variations in the sun’s activity on satellite communication and navigation) and space debris mitigation (the regulation, monitoring and deorbiting of defunct space equipment), Norway wishes to contribute and to be a responsible space nation. 

- Norway’s geographical position in the High North is favorable for many of the required space services, Mr. Hauglie-Hanssen says. 

Norway will also be a significant provider of broadband communication in the Arctic, due to existing and planned national satellite capacities. 

- Our dialogue and negotiations with the European Commission will continue, to secure what we see as a natural and important position for Norway in the continued development of space for a safe, secure and prosperous Europe, concludes Mr. Hauglie-Hanssen.

For more information

Marianne Moen – Head of Communication – Norwegian Space Agency – Marianne.moen@spaceagency.no