Proposed Council Decision on the Cooperation Agreement

Brussels, 07 Oct 2003

Proposal for a
COUNCIL DECISION
on the signing of the Cooperation Agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) - GALILEO between the European Community and its Member States and the People's Republic of China.
Full Text

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

In January 1998, the Commission presented a Communication entitled `Towards a Trans-European Positioning and Navigation Network, including a European Strategy for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)1.' This set out a strategy for developing an integrated network of navigation aids, making best use of satellite navigation to achieve an optimal service for the whole of Europe, including the northernmost latitudes, at an acceptable price.

In its Communication entitled "Building a Comprehensive Partnership with China" which was endorsed by the European Council of Ministers on 29 June 1998, the Commission noted that the EU-China trade dialogue could be further strengthened through the conclusion of specific bilateral agreements in areas of particular interest.

On 10 February 1999, the Commission adopted a Communication entitled `GALILEO ­ involving Europe in a new generation of Satellite Navigation Services2.' This sets out a strategy for developing GALILEO, a global European component of GNSS-2 in four phases; definition, development and validation, deployment and operational phase. GALILEO will be independent but fully interoperable with the US GPS system and open to cooperation with other third countries.

On 19 July 1999, the Council adopted a Resolution welcoming the Commission Communication and inviting the Commission to explore possibilities for cooperation.

On 5 April 2001, the Council adopted a Resolution3 in which it encourages the continuation, under its political control, of the contacts with non-member States that are interested in contributing to the development of GALILEO. Furthermore it called for active preparations to be made for WRC-2003 in order to consolidate the achievements of WRC 2000 by establishing the appropriate common approach for the GALILEO spectrum.

On 24 September 2002, the Commission adopted a Communication on GALILEO4 in which it invited guidelines on plans for negotiations with Peoples' Republic of China.

On 6 December 2002 the Council adopted conclusions5 in which it invited the Commission to present, taking due account of security considerations, a proposal for negotiations directives with China.

In formal negotiations on 16 of May and 18 of September 2003 the representatives of the Commission and People's Republic of China have agreed on the content and initialled the Agreement. The Special Committee of the Council has been consulted in accordance with the negotiation directives.

[...]

Brussels, 03.10.2003 COM(2003)578 final