Further implementation of the European satellite navigation programmes

This proposal for a Regulation is a response to the breakdown of concession contract negotiations for the deployment and operation of the Galileo programme. The text provides for the Galileo deployment phase to be funded entirely from the Community budget, in order to ensure continuation of the project.

ACT

Amended proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the further implementation of the European satellite radionavigation programmes (EGNOS and Galileo) [COM(2007) 535 final -Not published in the Official Journal].

SUMMARY

The breakdown of the concession contract negotiations for the deployment and operation of Galileo has led to the organisation of the programme being called into question. The Commission has therefore amended its proposal for a Regulation on the financing of the satellite radionavigation programmes.

At the request of the Council, the regulation covers the EGNOS programme.

The proposed text takes account of the fact that the plan for a concession for the deployment phase of the Galileo programme has been abandoned and that this phase will be handled entirely by the European Community. It also aims to strengthen public governance of the programmes.

Financing

The budgetary resources needed to finance EGNOS and Galileo are set at 3.4 billion for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. A sum of 1 005 million is set aside in the existing financial planning (2007-13). The Commission proposes adding 2 100 million to this amount. These funds come from margins not used for 2007 and 2008.

This amount covers costs associated with delays in execution of the Galileo development phase, which will not be completed until 2010.

Strengthening public governance

The proposal aims to improve management through a clearer assignment of roles between institutions:

• It provides for strict division of the respective roles of the European Community (represented by the Commission), the GNSS supervisory authority and the European Space Agency;
• Implementation of the programmes is entrusted to the Commission;
• The GNSS supervisory authority facilitates the introduction onto the commercial market of the services offered and assists the Commission in all areas associated with the running of the programmes;
• The European Space Agency is responsible for the technical aspects of the project;
• The European GNSS programmes committee is also set up to assist the Commission and to facilitate decision-making.

Background

The aim of the European satellite navigation policy is to provide Europe with two systems, EGNOS and Galileo. Satellite radionavigation will improve the day-to-day lives of citizens in various ways: it can be applied in all sorts of areas, particularly in freight management, infrastructure pricing and road safety.

The Galileo programme includes a definition phase, a development phase, a deployment phase and an operation phase. The deployment phase should start in 2008 and be completed in 2013, the year in which the system should become operational.

The agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on 23 November 2007 on the subject of financing, followed by the conclusions adopted by the Transport Council on 30 November 2007, leaves the way open for quick adoption of the Commission's proposals under codecision procedure.

Last updated: 06.12.2007