EU secure connectivity programme 2023-2027

During the February II 2023 plenary session, the European Parliament is expected to vote on the agreement on the proposed regulation establishing the Union secure connectivity programme for 2023-2027 (also referred to as the infrastructure for resilience, interconnectivity and security by satellite – IRIS²). Satellite communication is a strategic asset for governments and civil society alike. Complementary to terrestrial networks, it can contribute to seamless digital communication, even when such networks are absent or disrupted. Currently, the EU lacks dedicated infrastructure to offer such satellite-based services; the proposal would allow the Union to launch a private partnership for the design and deployment of the infrastructure, as well as the delivery of the first governmental services from 2024 and commercial services by 2027.