MEPs urge resumption of Galileo negotiations
MEPs have adopted a resolution expressing deep concern over the break down of negotiations on Galileo, Europe's satellite navigation system, saying that delays will increase the cost of the project. The resolution also calls upon the European Commission to draft a proposal outlining where responsibility for the project lies. Both EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot and the Transport Council have already urged the consortium to resume negotiations. The deadlock arose when the eight companies involved in the private consortium were unable to agree on how to divide the workload between them. The consortium is part of a public-private partnership responsible for managing Galileo. The Parliament is 'deeply concerned by the fact that the concession negotiations have been at a standstill for several months', reads the resolution. MEPs therefore support the mandate given to Mr Barrot to submit to the Transport Council in June: - a credible roadmap for coming to a contractual conclusion as soon as possible; - possible solutions for securing long-term financial obligations; - a scenario for the earliest possible provision of EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service); - alternative scenarios for the realisation of the programme, particularly in relation to costs, risk and affordability. Galileo is the first major public-private partnership undertaken at EU level. The private consortium is responsible for deploying and operating the 30 satellites, while the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Supervisory Authority, a public body, is charged with overseeing the private consortium. The Parliament's resolution calls upon the Commission to come forward with a proposal for 'clear political responsibility and leadership on the part of the Commission'. Once in operation, Galileo will provide accurate positioning and timing services for civil applications. Applications could include train control systems, search-and-rescue operations in the sea and air, emergency management following disasters, and exploration of oil and gas resources. The Commission estimates that the market for GNSS products and services will reach €400 billion by 2025.