Iceland joins EUSPA's Administrative Board
Welcoming Iceland to EUSPA’s Administrative Board marks a new chapter in European Union space cooperation. Iceland’s participation further strengthens its role in the EU Space Programme and creates new opportunities for collaboration with partners across Europe.
With international collaboration playing a central role in its approach to space research, innovation and technology, Iceland is taking another step towards closer integration into Europe's space activities.
Iceland's priorities in the space sector
Iceland's unique geography, particularly its volcanic landscapes, and its scientific expertise give the country a distinctive role in space-related research and innovation. Its priorities include space exploration research, Earth observation, environmental monitoring and international cooperation.
In March 2026, the EU signed an agreement with Iceland, paving the way for closer cooperation in two components of the EU Space Programme: GOVSATCOM, which provides secure satellite communications for governmental users, and IRIS2, the EU's secure connectivity programme. A major step forward followed on 30 September 2026, when Coreper approved the Council Decision concluding the Agreement, formally enabling Iceland's participation in both programmes.
Iceland's participation in these initiatives is expected to strengthen cooperation in secure connectivity and resilience, in line with the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence. Meanwhile, European space services such as Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus offer opportunities to support Iceland's search-and-rescue operations, maritime activities and environmental monitoring. Iceland already counts four airports equipped with EGNOS-enabled procedures, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the system, with further deployments planned.
Icelandic nationals are already eligible to apply for employment and traineeship opportunities at EUSPA, subject to the applicable selection criteria. Iceland's participation in EUSPA's Administrative Board allows the country to be represented in the Agency's governance discussions as a non-voting member, contributing its perspectives and expertise to discussions on EUSPA's activities and strategic priorities.
“As the EU Space Programme continues to grow, strong partnerships are essential to delivering secure, resilient and innovative services. Iceland's participation in EUSPA's Administrative Board reflects our shared commitment to cooperation and will further strengthen Europe's capacity to address strategic priorities, from secure connectivity to environmental monitoring,” confirmed EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.
“As a North Atlantic nation, Iceland relies on European space services for safe aviation, maritime operations and search and rescue. But we do not see ourselves only as users of these services. Through our participation in the EUSPA Administrative Board, we hope to contribute actively to EUSPA’s work, bringing our knowledge, infrastructure and perspective from the High North to help build a more secure and resilient Europe in space.” Sigurjón Ingvason, Member of the EUSPA Administrative Board, Ministry of Infrastructure, Iceland.
For EUSPA, this development will further strengthen cooperation with European partners and create opportunities for closer coordination in areas such as secure satellite communications, environmental monitoring and space innovation.
Space policy in Iceland does not follow the model of a centralised governmental space agency. Instead, the country's space activities rely on a partnership-driven ecosystem, bringing together government institutions, academia and specialised organisations focused on research and international cooperation.
International cooperation on space matters is led by the Icelandic government, while space-related research is carried out across Iceland’s academic community, alongside private initiatives (e.g. the privately organised Iceland Space Agency). These actors represent potential opportunities for engagement with European initiatives, including the EU Space Academy.
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