Commissioner Kubilius in Luxembourg to discuss Europe’s space and defence capabilities
Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, will participate in the GOVSATCOM Luxembourg Conference tomorrow to discuss the European Commission’s efforts in strengthening European security and defence through cutting-edge satellite communication technologies. GOVSATCOM operations started in January, providing Member States with access to sovereign satellite communication that is secure, encrypted and operated entirely within Europe.
On Thursday morning, Commissioner Kubilius will deliver a keynote speech. In his address, the Commissioner will emphasise the essential role of satellite communications as the backbone for security operations, enabling instantaneous and secure global connectivity key to military coordination.
He will highlight the importance of IRIS², a multi-orbital constellation of some 300 satellites, designed to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among EU governmental actors, including militaries via a secure satellite network.
Commissioner Kubilius will meet with Luxembourgish Defence Minister Yuriko Backes to discuss the European Readiness 2030 strategy, including the implementation of EU defence instruments such as the Security Action for Europe and the European defence industry programme. They will hold a press conference at 12:45, focusing on the EU defence agenda, support for Ukraine, as well as Europe’s space and defence capabilities. Later in the afternoon, he will meet Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, to discuss Luxembourg’s position on European cooperation for defence and space. The Commissioner will also engage with industry leaders to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the defence and space sectors. He will conclude his visit with a tour of SES technical facilities, a Luxembourgish communications satellite operator and member of the SpaceRise consortium, to discuss the timely delivery of IRIS² by 2029 and engage with young engineers and company representatives.