This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#30, 2026)
IRIS² satellite constellation enters deployment; Scaleup Europe Fund launches investments; EU signs PNR data agreements with Norway and Iceland; Digital ID citizens’ initiative registered.
August 02, 2026 to August 08, 2026
IRIS² satellite constellation enters deployment; Scaleup Europe Fund launches investments; EU signs PNR data agreements with Norway and Iceland; Digital ID citizens’ initiative registered.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Scaleup Europe Fund Begins Operations to Support EU Scaleups
On 3 August, the European Commission completed the legal steps required to establish the Scaleup Europe Fund, enabling it to start making investments. The Fund, part of the European Innovation Council Fund, targets €5 billion to support European scaleups in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and clean technologies. Investment management is handled by the private equity firm EQT, selected through a competitive process, which will invest public and private capital on market terms. Early commitments come from a coalition of public and private backers including Novo Holdings, APG Asset Management, and Allianz, alongside the Commission. The Fund aims to close financing gaps for high-potential European companies and is backed by Horizon Europe, which supports research and innovation.
Commission and SpaceRISE Advance IRIS² Satellite Network
On 6 August, the European Commission concluded negotiations and signed an implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium to commence full-scale deployment of IRIS², the EU’s secure satellite constellation. The main constellation will include 348 satellites, with a design adapted for enhanced security and resilience in response to changing security needs. The agreement increases capacity, with 66 additional satellites, aiming to provide secure, sovereign communications for EU governments, defence, and emergency services by 2029. Additional funding stems from EU budget allocations for 2028–2034 and national investments, with Poland, Hungary, and Spain making early commitments. The project is managed jointly by the Commission, European Space Agency, and SpaceRISE partners, including SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1916 Concludes Agreement with Norway on PNR Data Transfer
On 6 August 2026, the Official Journal published Council Decision (EU) 2026/1916, concluding the agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway for the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data. The agreement sets out the framework for the lawful transfer and processing of PNR data to prevent, detect, and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime. It includes safeguards for data protection and cooperation with Europol and Eurojust. The European Data Protection Supervisor issued Opinion 16/2025 prior to adoption (CELEX: 32026D1916).
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1918 Approves Iceland PNR Data Transfer Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1918, adopted on 4 June 2026 and published on 6 August, confirms the Union's approval of the agreement with Iceland on PNR data transfer for law enforcement purposes (CELEX: 32026D1918). The decision enables cooperation with Icelandic authorities in line with EU data protection requirements and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Agreement between EU and Norway Sets Rules for PNR Data Exchange
The text of the agreement between the EU and Norway on the transfer of passenger name record data was published on 6 August 2026 (CELEX: 32026A1917). The agreement outlines procedures for data transfer, processing, retention, and disclosure, and integrates provisions from Directive (EU) 2016/681 and Regulation (EU) 2016/679. It incorporates detailed rules on safeguarding fundamental rights and facilitates police and judicial cooperation within the Schengen area.
Agreement with Iceland on PNR Data Published in Official Journal
The agreement between the EU and Iceland regarding PNR data transfer for combating terrorism and serious crime appears in the Official Journal dated 6 August 2026 (CELEX: 32026A1919). The document stipulates technical and legal parameters, data protection safeguards, and cooperation mechanisms, aligning with European and international standards.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1921 Registers Citizens’ Initiative on Digital ID
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1921, adopted on 22 July 2026, registers the European citizens’ initiative entitled “Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification” (CELEX: 32026D1921). The initiative, submitted on 17 June, calls for future EU regulation to ensure voluntary, privacy-preserving, and non-discriminatory digital identity and age-verification systems. Registration is based on Regulation (EU) 2019/788.
What We're Reading This Week
- Leipzig drone incident fuels fears of Russian election meddling: A suspected Russian-linked drone over Leipzig raises concerns about foreign interference in Germany’s upcoming elections.
