This Week in Defence — Brussels (#29, 2026)
EU-Norway and EU-Iceland defence satellite agreements concluded; Nigeria support via European Peace Facility; new EU Common Military List; critical raw materials projects for defence.
October 19, 2026 to October 25, 2026
EU-Norway and EU-Iceland defence satellite agreements concluded; Nigeria support via European Peace Facility; new EU Common Military List; critical raw materials projects for defence.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU-Norway: GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity Agreement Published
The Official Journal published the agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on 20 October 2026, setting the rules for Norway's participation in the GOVSATCOM component of the Union Space Programme and in the Union Secure Connectivity Programme. The agreement outlines Norway’s rights and obligations regarding access to secure satellite communications, designation of competent authorities, and conditions for Norwegian entities’ participation. The document references Regulation (EU) 2021/696 and Regulation (EU) 2023/588 as the legal basis. This bilateral arrangement covers the period until 31 December 2027, with automatic ten-year renewals.
EU-Iceland: GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity Agreement Published
On 22 October 2026, the Official Journal published the agreement between the European Union and Iceland concerning participation in the GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity Programmes. The agreement, based on Regulation (EU) 2021/696 and Regulation (EU) 2023/588, sets the terms for Iceland’s access to governmental satellite communications and defines roles for Icelandic authorities and users. The agreement is valid through 31 December 2027 and renews automatically in ten-year increments unless terminated.
Council Decision on EU-Norway GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2322, adopted 9 October 2026 and published on 20 October, formally concludes the agreement between the EU and Norway on participation in the GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity programmes. The decision acknowledges the strategic and geopolitical importance of Norway’s participation and states that the agreement was signed on 26 March 2026, subject to conclusion.
Council Decision on EU-Iceland GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2351 of 9 October 2026, published on 22 October, finalises the EU-Iceland agreement on participation in the GOVSATCOM and Secure Connectivity programmes. The decision notes the agreement’s role in advancing the EU’s space and defence strategy and references Council Decision (EU) 2026/434 authorising the signing.
Assistance Measure for Nigeria under the European Peace Facility
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2334 of 19 October 2026 establishes a EUR 20 million assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The measure will finance non-lethal equipment and training for countering improvised explosive devices, unmanned aircraft systems, night vision, and personal protective gear. Expertise France and the Administrator for assistance measures are designated for implementation over a 36-month period.
Update to EU Defence-Related Products List
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2026/2325 of 10 July 2026, published on 19 October, updates the Annex of Directive 2009/43/EC to align with the Common Military List of 23 February 2026. Member States are required to transpose the updated list by 31 January 2027 and apply it from 5 February 2027, ensuring regulatory consistency across the EU for transfers of defence-related products.
Recognition of Strategic Critical Raw Material Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2349 of 9 October 2026 designates several critical raw material projects as Strategic Projects under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. Among them is 'CRM4Defence – Byproducts and Recycling of CRM for Defence' by Leonardo S.p.A. The decision outlines the assessment process and engagement with Member States and the Critical Raw Materials Board.
EU Council
EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit Scheduled
The second EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit will take place on 24 October 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
What We're Reading This Week
- Israeli financial news outlet reveals €150m warship deal with Cyprus: Cyprus is set to purchase warships worth €150 million from Israel, signaling deepening defense ties between the two countries.
- Spain versus Morocco: this is how the military forces of both countries stand in 2026: Spain and Morocco are significantly upgrading their military capabilities, reshaping the regional balance of power ahead of 2026.
- Polish satellite maker Creotech plans tenfold capacity boost by 2029: Creotech aims to dramatically scale up production, positioning itself as a major player in Poland's growing space industry.
- EU faces €70 billion Ukraine funding headache as war costs soar: Soaring war expenses leave the EU struggling to secure €70 billion in financial support for Ukraine.
- Pick Sweden over British fighter jet offer, German defense officials urge Berlin: German defense officials advocate for selecting Sweden’s Gripen jets instead of Britain’s Typhoon in Berlin’s upcoming fighter procurement.
