Council resolves to involve Europe in the Galileo project
The European Union is joining international efforts to develop a new generation of satellite navigation services through the Galileo project's definition phase. The Galileo satellite navigation system is intended for civil use and hoped to lead to greater independence for Europe in the field of satellite technologies. This would be desirable because satellite navigation has the potential to contribute to improvements in transport infrastructure, to increase safety, to reduce environmental pollution and to assist in setting up an integrated transport system. The EU is also keen to be involved in the Galileo project because, it fears, a lack of European influence on satellite navigation systems could make it difficult to resist 'unilaterally decided and excessive charges' in the future. The European Space Agency (ESA) has already decided to begin Galileo's technical definition phase, involving the development of the space segment and associated ground infrastructure. At the same time, research activities connected with Galileo form part of the Fifth Framework Programme and a first call for proposals was published in July 1999. In an official statement, the Council of the European Union is now urging the Commission to move quickly and plan its strategy for participation in the Galileo mission. In particular, it wants the Commission to explore any possibilities for further cooperation with countries outside the EU, including the USA and Russia, as well as other third countries. In fact the Commission has already formally presented a draft mandate to the Council for negotiations with these countries on Galileo.