EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius stated this, Euractiv reports.When asked whether non-EU countries could join the space program, Kubilius said he would not be opposed.He noted that Norway is already in talks with the European Commission to join IRIS², while Ukraine and the UK have not yet started negotiations.The EU Commissioner added that the UK has significant achievements in the space sector, and Ukraine holds considerable potential, as it was a key space hub during the Soviet era.Iceland, like Norway, a member of the European Economic Area, concluded talks with the European Commission to participate in IRIS² earlier this month.Amid growing concerns over Starlink’s dominance in the satellite telecommunications market, the IRIS² network, expected to cost €10.6 billion and include around 280 satellites once launched in the 2030s, could claim a share of the market.A few weeks ago, the EU unveiled its draft Space Act, which has already sparked intense behind-the-scenes negotiations. In the future, its provisions could limit companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX from accessing consumers. However, it will take several years for the legislation to be fully approved.Kubilius said there has been no negative reaction to the proposal so far.“For the time being, I received no hints that the Americans will react on the EU Space Act,” the Commissioner noted.Back in March, it was reported that the European IRIS² satellite communication system could potentially replace Starlink, which Ukrainian forces use on the battlefield, but it won’t be launched until 2030.