https://www.reneweuropegroup.eu/news/2023-02-14/iris2-the-eus-response-to-elon-musks-starlink-satellites-project * [ ] Search Keyword Search Advanced search tips English EnglishFrancais Jump to NewsroomCampaignsEventsBlogContact NewsroomCampaignsEventsBlogContact * Renew Europe * Who we are Who we areStaff structureOur family in EuropeOur Parties * What we stand for What we stand forGroup CharterPriorities 2019-2024Policy papers * How we work How we workGroup structure 1. Home 2. Newsroom 3. IRIS2: the EU's response to Elon Musk's Starlink satellites project IRIS2: the EU's response to Elon Musk's Starlink satellites project [CUENA-] Author: Alberto Cuena Vilches Date: February 14, 2023 Share: IRIS landscape OK The Renew Europe Group welcomes today's plenary backing of the EU secure connectivity programme, renamed IRIS2, an ambitious plan to deploy an EU-owned constellation of telecommunications satellites by 2027. It will secure the Union's sovereignty and autonomy by guaranteeing fewer dependencies on third-country infrastructure, and the provision of secured telecommunications services for EU governments in critical scenarios where terrestrial networks are absent or disrupted, as observed, for instance, in the unfolding war in Ukraine. The new European satellites are also the EU's response to the Starlink satellite project, launched by Elon Musk, to provide internet services via a large network of satellites to those living in remote areas. This future satellite constellation infrastructure will allow for synergies with private sector to develop commercial services and provide with high-speed internet and communication in all EU territory, including over isolated regions where terrestrial and broadband connection remain scarce. Moreover, this Renew Europe-led programme will foster a completely new ecosystem of start-ups and SMEs, as well as the emergence of innovations and new services in the European space sector, and introduces for the first time strict sustainability criteria for heavy space activities, including launchers and satellites components. The programme provides an ambitious budget (2.4 Billions), which will be complemented with contributions from Member States via the European Space Agency (ESA), and private contributions. Renew Europe MEP Christophe Grudler (Mouvement Democrate, France), Rapporteur on the EU secure connectivity programme, declared: << With the war, Ukraine needed satellite telecommunications, but the EU didn't have something to offer. Ukraine should not have to rely on the whims of Elon Musk to defend their people. With IRIS2, the EU will have its own telecommunication constellation, able to offer secure communications to European governments and allies. I'm proud that this constellation will also set a worldwide example in terms of sustainability, as we requested. Now it is time to build these new European satellites, and prepare them for launch!>>. Note to editors After the European Galileo satellites (the 'European GPS', used by more than 2 billion mobile devices worldwide), the Copernicus satellites (Earth observation), IRIS2 will be the European Union's third major satellite programme. Topics: ITRE Lead the digital transformation Make Europe stronger in the world Ukraine New European satellites Elon Musk Starlink Share: Contact our MEPs: Christophe Grudler Christophe Grudler Email: christophe.grudler@europarl.europa.eu Stay up to date Sign up to receive newsletters and communications from Renew Europe Leave this field blank[7e7180 ] First name [ ] Last name [ ] Email address [ ] I am a journalist ( ) Yes ( ) No Subscription categories [ ] Daily news (Press Releases) [ ] Newsletters (Plenary, Events, Campaigns) Country[Country ] [ ] I consent to receive newsletters and communications. View privacy policy. Sign up Related articles View all Energy performance of buildings Energy performance of buildings Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: sustainable buildings, sustainable future Type: Press Release The Renew Europe Group welcomes the ITRE Committee's backing of the revision of the Energy... 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