Council approves Ukraine's participation in Galileo
The EU's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council has given the Commission the go ahead to open negotiations with Ukraine on a 'cooperation agreement' relating to the development of Europe's satellite navigation system, Galileo. The agreement would comprise multilateral and industrial cooperation, research and scientific activities (particularly relating to standardisation), regional integrity monitoring and financial investment in Galileo. Galileo is rapidly becoming an international project. Initiated by Europe, agreements have already been signed with China and Israel, while discussions are under way with India, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico and Australia. An agreement with the US has also been signed, ensuring that Galileo will be compatible with the US satellite system GPS.