17/02/26 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 17 February, the Council of the EU approved without debate the agreements between the European Union and Iceland, on the one hand, and the European Union and Norway, on the other, laying down the rules for the participation of these two European countries in the GOVSATCOM part of the EU space programme and in the Union Secure Connectivity programme (see EUROPE 13804/14). The agreements also set out the terms and conditions for access to GOVSATCOM services and government services under the Union Secure Connectivity programme. GOVSATCOM “will ensure the long-term availability of reliable, secure and cost-effective governmental satellite communications services for EU and national public authorities managing security critical missions and infrastructures”, according to the European Commission, which launched the initiative. The European Parliament will also have to approve these participations. (CG)