“Space has become more important to us than many people realize. It concerns everything from secure communication to maintaining situational awareness in our surrounding areas. Through closer cooperation with Germany, we will help strengthen Europe’s ability to utilize and protect critical space capabilities,” said the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

“Today, Norway and Germany take the next step towards a powerful and soverein space partnership. We drive Europe in the global space race to become a true space power. A multilateral power united by joint values, such as freedom, peace, democracy and justice. Together, we take action and responsibility for Europe’s sovereignty in space,“ said the German Minister of Research, Technology and Space Dorothee Bär.

The new working group will, among other things, explore cooperation on satellite launches, space-based surveillance, and secure communication.

Space plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Satellites are used for communication, surveillance, and navigation, among other purposes. They are also vital for emergency preparedness and security, for example through the EU programme Secure Connectivity, which Norway recently joined.

The space cooperation builds on the existing defense cooperation between Norway and Germany. The signing of the mandate follows up on the agreement between Prime Minister Støre and Federal Chancellor Merz, reached during a visit to Andøya on March 13 this year.