Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner visited Luxembourg on Monday for a working visit focused on closer bilateral defence cooperation and possible Austrian involvement in the GovSat 2 satellite communications project.
Tanner was welcomed with military honours by her Luxembourg counterpart, Yuriko Backes, at Bourglinster Castle. The programme included bilateral talks as well as a visit to SES in Betzdorf.
Although Austria is not a member of NATO, the message at the joint press conference was that defence cooperation between Luxembourg and Austria is based on shared values and common interests.
Backes welcomed Austria's interest in Luxembourg's satellite capabilities following the visit to SES, adding that the visit to the company had provided valuable insight into the sector.
Tanner stressed that such capabilities are particularly important at a time of geopolitical tension, when cooperation based on shared rules and values can help strengthen European resilience.
She added that the visit to SES had provided an opportunity to discuss what possible Austrian participation in the GovSat 2 satellite communications project might look like. "I believe it is important that we strengthen the resilience of our state communications and jointly make an important contribution to strategic autonomy", she said.
GovSat 2 is intended to provide secure communications capabilities for Luxembourg Defence, the European Union, NATO, and partner countries. The satellite is currently planned for launch in 2029.
Existing cooperation between Luxembourg and Austria is also set to be expanded further, including in the areas of space and cybersecurity. Austria also provides training for Luxembourg personnel involved in mountain rescue operations.
The two countries signed a letter of intent on Monday aimed at further strengthening their cooperation. Tanner was not yet able to say how much the Austrian government might be prepared to invest in a possible participation in GovSat 2.
