Commission proposes Galileo institutional framework
The Commission has put forward its proposals for the management of the Galileo programme, which include the establishment of a supervisory authority and a centre for safety and reliability. The Galileo joint undertaking is currently responsible for managing the development phase of Europe's first satellite radio navigation programme. In preparation for the programme's deployment phase, beginning in 2006, the Commission has proposed the setting up of a supervisory authority and a centre for safety and reliability. 'This proposal, eagerly awaited by the Member States and the industry, is fundamental because it establishes the legal and institutional framework for management of the programme from 2006 onwards. I urge the Council and Parliament to examine it without delay,' said Loyola de Palacio, EU Commissioner for Transport and Energy. The supervisory authority will be responsible for managing public interests relating to Galileo. Specifically, it will take charge of awarding the concession for the deployment and operation of the Galileo system to a private consortium, and ensuring that the concessionaire complies with the specifications and obligations of the contract. The authority will also manage the funds allocated to Galileo, and will also act as a technological observatory to anticipate any further developments of the system. The centre for safety and reliability, the second body proposed by the Commission, will be responsible for protecting the system from any external interference that would jeopardise the stability of the Galileo system's infrastructure or the interests of the European Union. The centre will consist of a small permanent team, who will provide expertise in the field of negotiations related to the safety and reliability. The team will also participate in ensuring compliance with the future operational and regulatory framework for safety and reliability. It is expected that the centre will help speed up agreement on a cooperation agreement with the United States on interoperability between their GPS system and the Galileo system, as well as the development of cooperative measures to be taken in the event of a safety crisis.