Why The EU Is Shelling Out Billions To Compete With Elon Musk’s Starlink

The European Union (EU) is planning to develop a multibillion-dollar network of satellites aimed at competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The European Commission signed a concession contract on Monday to begin building the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), a multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites intended to provide encrypted global internet connectivity, according to a press release. The network is expected to provide services beginning in 2030 and will cost approximately $11.13 billion.

The EU is producing IRIS² to “avoid creating new technological dependencies,” a European Commission spokesperson told the 🏢Daily Caller News Foundation. The European Commission described IRIS² as “a significant step towards Europe’s sovereignty and secure connectivity,” according to the press release.

“IRIS² is not just a technological achievement—it is a testament to Europe’s ambition and unity,” Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen, said in the press release. “This cutting-edge constellation will protect our critical infrastructures, connect our most remote areas and increase Europe’s strategic autonomy. By partnering with the SpaceRISE consortium, we are demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration to drive innovation and deliver tangible benefits to all Europeans.”

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Starlink, has taken on an increasingly significant role on the world stage over the last several years, most recently being appointed