Why secure satcoms are essential?
The political and security landscape has changed significantly in recent years. The origin, nature and severity of the threats facing the EU, both within its territory and beyond its borders, have evolved.
To carry out their missions and respond to threats ranging from natural disasters and pandemics to cyber attacks and more traditional forms of conflict or instability, EU and national security actors need reliable communications at all times. In many situations, ground based systems may not be available. This can be because they do not exist in remote regions or at sea, or because they have been disrupted by events such as earthquakes or deliberate acts.
Security actors also face stricter requirements than private users. They must be able to communicate with each other and with their command centres in almost any circumstances. They often need to exchange sensitive information. This means they require communications that guarantee access and protect against interference, interception, intrusion and cyber security risks. Secure satellite communications are therefore essential.
What is EU GOVSATCOM?
EU GOVSATCOM is an initiative launched by the European Commission as part of the EU Space Programme. Its aim is to ensure the long term availability of reliable, secure and cost effective governmental satellite communications services.
These services are designed for EU and national public authorities responsible for security critical missions and infrastructures. By pooling resources and coordinating demand, EU GOVSATCOM helps ensure that those who protect citizens have access to dependable communications when they need them most.
How does it work?
GOVSATCOM is built on pooling and sharing. It brings together existing satellite communication capacities and services owned by certain Member States, in particular governmental and military satellites. These resources are then made available to authorised European governmental users, including Member States that do not possess their own satellite capacity and would otherwise rely on non EU or commercial providers for sensitive communications.
Through this collaborative approach, EU GOVSATCOM strengthens European autonomy in technologies, assets, operations and services. It supports several EU policies and, above all, enhances the EU’s capacity to protect its citizens.
Governance
The European Commission is the programme manager of GOVSATCOM while the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) manages the service provision through the GOVSATCOM Hub.