Union Secure Connectivity Programme
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Summary
Regulation (EU) 2023/588 establishes the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023–2027 to develop and operate an EU space-based secure connectivity system. It aims to provide resilient, secure and cost-effective satellite communications services for governmental users in the EU and to support the protection of critical infrastructures, crisis management and external action. The Programme also seeks to foster the competitiveness of the EU space and connectivity industrial ecosystem and reduce strategic dependencies.
Who is affected?
EU institutions and bodies, Member State public authorities and other authorised governmental users that require secure satellite communications are the primary beneficiaries. The Programme also affects space and telecom industry operators and service providers involved in developing, deploying and operating the system and related services.
Scope
The Regulation covers the establishment, governance, funding and implementation of an EU space-based secure connectivity system and associated services under the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for 2023–2027.
Key Points
- Establishes the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for 2023–2027 and an EU space-based secure connectivity system.
- Provides secure, resilient satellite communications services for governmental users (including for crisis management, protection of critical infrastructures and external action).
- Sets governance and implementation arrangements at EU level, including roles for the Commission and relevant EU bodies/actors.
- Supports development of the EU industrial base and aims to reduce strategic dependencies in secure connectivity technologies and services.
- Envisages procurement/partnership approaches to deploy infrastructure and deliver services, with security requirements and accreditation aspects.
Key Deadlines
- — End of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme period (2023–2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with the Union Secure Connectivity Programme Regulation?
EU institutions, Member State public authorities, and other authorised governmental users who require secure satellite communications must comply. Space and telecom industry operators and service providers involved in developing, deploying, and operating the system are also affected.
What is the main objective of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme?
The Programme aims to establish and operate a secure, resilient, and cost-effective EU space-based connectivity system to provide satellite communications services for governmental users, support critical infrastructure protection, crisis management, and external action.
Which period does the Regulation cover?
Regulation (EU) 2023/588 covers the period from 2023 to 2027.
What are the key obligations for industry operators and service providers?
Industry operators and service providers must adhere to procurement, security, and accreditation requirements set out by the Programme. They are responsible for developing, deploying, and operating the secure connectivity infrastructure and services.
What penalties apply for non-compliance with the Regulation?
Penalties for non-compliance are determined by relevant EU and national authorities, and may include exclusion from procurement, financial penalties, or loss of accreditation to provide services under the Programme.
How does this Regulation interact with other EU space and connectivity initiatives?
The Regulation complements existing EU space programmes, such as Galileo and Copernicus, by focusing specifically on secure governmental communications. It coordinates with other initiatives to avoid duplication and ensure interoperability.
What are the main governance and implementation arrangements?
The European Commission oversees the Programme, with roles for relevant EU bodies and agencies in governance, implementation, and security accreditation. Partnerships and procurement mechanisms are used to deploy and operate the system.
How does the Programme support the EU industrial base?
The Programme encourages the participation of EU industry in the development and deployment of secure connectivity technologies, aiming to foster competitiveness and reduce strategic dependencies on non-EU suppliers.
What practical steps must governmental users take to access services?
Governmental users must be authorised and comply with security and accreditation requirements to access the secure satellite communications services provided by the Programme.
What funding mechanisms are provided under the Regulation?
The Regulation establishes EU-level funding for the Programme, with possible co-financing from Member States and private sector participation through procurement and partnership models.
Key Terms
- Union Secure Connectivity Programme
- An EU initiative established by Regulation (EU) 2023/588 to develop and operate a secure, space-based connectivity system for governmental users from 2023 to 2027.
- Space-based secure connectivity system
- A satellite communications infrastructure designed to provide resilient, secure, and cost-effective connectivity services for EU governmental users.
- Governmental users
- EU institutions, Member State public authorities, and other entities authorised to use the secure satellite communications services provided by the Programme.
- Critical infrastructures
- Essential systems and assets whose disruption would have a significant impact on the health, safety, security, or economic well-being of the EU or its Member States.
- Security accreditation
- A formal process to ensure that the connectivity system and related services meet defined security requirements before being authorised for use.
- Procurement mechanisms
- Procedures and processes used to select industry partners for the development, deployment, and operation of the secure connectivity system.
- Strategic dependencies
- Reliance on non-EU suppliers or technologies for secure connectivity, which the Programme aims to reduce by fostering EU-based solutions.
- Implementation arrangements
- The structures, processes, and responsibilities defined for the governance, deployment, and operation of the Programme and its connectivity system.
- External action
- EU activities outside its borders, such as diplomatic, security, and humanitarian missions, which require secure communications support.
- Industrial ecosystem
- The network of EU-based companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders involved in the space and connectivity sectors supported by the Programme.