EP Briefing 25-28 September 2006: Galileo programme

September 21, 2006

Strasbourg, 20 Sep 2006

MEPs will debate and vote on a resolution on Galileo. The debate is based on the following oral question to the Commission:

Subject: Taking stock of the Galileo programme

Galileo is the first European infrastructure to be owned by the European Union, an entirely Community project realised through a public-private partnership, which is new for the Community. The European Parliament has given its full support to the Galileo Programme, through its legislative and budgetary responsibilities(1), recognising that Galileo is a strategic project, one of the most important pillars of the Lisbon strategy, and offers great opportunities to SMEs. European engineers and developers working within the European Space Agency and in the space industry have done a great job. The first experimental satellite GIOVE-A has already fulfill= ed its main mission, the technical aspects are in place, and now the most important element for bringing the project forward is good governance.

Timing is crucial for the commercial viability and success of the programme. The three phases are well behind the original plan of 2005. The tendering procedure is being prolonged, thus jeopardising the overall timing of the project. How does the Commission intend to avoid further delay?

For Parliament as a budgetary authority, the necessary steps to ensure repayments are important. The planned proposal concerning the implementation of the Public Regulated Service access policy by the end of 2006 and the Green Paper on Galileo Applications, which the Commission will present at the end of 2006, are noted. After the approval of the whole project budget (including liability commitments) by the budgetary authorities, a stronger supervisory position for the Galileo Supervisory Authority will be indispensable. Does the Commission intend to amend the current draft regulation in order to ensure this?

Cooperation with third countries in the future phases of Galileo is important. How will the Commission involve Parliament in the preparation of the international negotiations, with particular reference to institutional questions?

Oral question to the Commission Debate: 28.09.2006 Further information:

Oral question on GalileoClick here

European Parliament
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