EU seeks to integrate Ukraine into its Space Programme and secure satellite system
On Tuesday 28 October, the European Commission submitted a proposal to the EU Council to open negotiations with Ukraine regarding its participation in the governmental satellite communications component (Govsatcom) within the EU Space Programme and the Union Secure Connectivity Programme.
The Commission wants Ukraine to join European space initiatives.
"We want to fully associate Ukraine to the EU's governmental satellite communications programme, also known as Govsatcom. Why is this important? Because defence and space go hand in hand," European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier sai at a press briefing in Brussels.
Recalling that Ukraine is already fully engaged in the EU's defence programmes, he said "it is now time to do the same for space".
"Associating Ukraine to Govsatcom will ensure secure space connectivity. This is vital for Ukraine's competitiveness, for the country as a whole, and for its citizens," Regnier stressed.
The European Commission said the next step will be negotiations among EU member states and a Council decision on involving Ukraine in the EU's space programmes.
Ukraine's participation will be formally confirmed following the conclusion of an international agreement under Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Govsatcom aims to provide secure and resilient satellite communications by pooling and sharing the existing satellite resources of EU member states and private operators.
The first step towards Ukraine's participation in the EU Space Programme was taken in April 2025, when the EU and Ukraine signed an agreement on Ukraine's involvement in components such as Copernicus, Space Weather Events, and Near-Earth Objects.
As European Pravda has previously reported, in the context of Ukraine, the Govsatcom satellite network has been viewed as an alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink.
Brussels is also reported to be exploring the possibility of developing a new satellite network for military intelligence purposes.