Leaders announced a combined government and industry task force at Andoya, promising concrete projects and launch schedules. The group aims to cut Europe’s reliance on foreign space services.
Germany and Norway will agree to establish a joint working group on space cooperation designed to ensure Europe’s independence in satellite communications, intelligence, and rocket launches.
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this during a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre after a visit to Norway’s Andøya Space Centre. The meeting formed part of on-site joint activities.
“We discussed our space cooperation. We have just established at the Andøya Space Centre a German-Norwegian working group on space issues. It will help ensure our satellite communications and enhance intelligence capabilities.”
– Merz
Representatives from the governments and industries of both countries will join the working group. They will focus on preparing concrete projects, developing implementation timelines, and assessing the possibility of involving EU and NATO framework programs.
“You see here, at this site, how well such cooperation works. German companies are also involved here, including Isar Aerospace – a startup that has grown into a powerful space enterprise. We expect the next launch as early as next week. We have only one such center in Europe. If we want to become independent in this technology of the future, we need such autonomy that makes us safer and more resilient”
– Merz
Joint Effort Toward Europe’s Space Independence
Merz stressed that developing Europe’s own space capabilities is key to Europe’s technological sovereignty.
The Prime Minister of Norway noted that the joint program will cover satellite surveillance, secure communications, and the strengthening of the rocket infrastructure at Andøya.
According to Støre, the development of space infrastructure is important for the economy and technology as well as for Europe’s security.
“We have relied for too long on carriers from other countries. This is Europe’s moment and European cooperation”
– Merz
It is also known that Germany is working on developing its own space-based systems for early detection of missile launches, with the aim of reducing dependence on external powers in the defense sector.
The development of space infrastructure is also seen as an important factor for the continent’s economy, technology, and security.
This agreement signals Europe’s drive for greater autonomy in high technologies and the strengthening of sovereignty on the global space arena.