The European Parliament rapporteurs on the regulation establishing a constellation for secure connectivity almost concluded negotiations on the legislative text at a final meeting on Tuesday 13 September.
The last three items were the question of budget, the timetable for the implementation of the programme and “Internet for All”, including the issue of participation in the universal service.
On the budgetary issue, they adopted the position of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) by proposing to use the budgetary margins (see EUROPE 12970/8), according to one source. As such, the opinion’s rapporteur, José Manuel Fernandes (EPP, Portuguese), should be present at the interinstitutional meetings.
The timetable remains unchanged (2024 for the first services and full operation in 2027). The issue of universal service has now become a specific objective. The idea is that an operator can be forced by a state to cover certain areas that are unprofitable or not profitable, in exchange for support.
Binding sustainability criteria have been incorporated - “a first in a space programme”, a second source told us. The sustainability criteria include minimising greenhouse gas emissions during the construction and operation of the constellation. In addition, light pollution must be avoided and a detailed debris mitigation plan must be submitted.
The role of SMEs and start-ups in the awarding of contracts has been considerably strengthened, as has the “Internet for All” project. SMEs and start-ups must be involved in at least 30% of all subcontracts. “In comparable projects, this proportion is often only about 10%”, according to our source.
The vote will take place in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on 13 October. The first interinstitutional meeting is scheduled for 27 October. The aim is to reach an agreement with the Council under the Czech Presidency of the EU Council. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)