19/09/24 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 19 September, the European Parliament gave the go-ahead to the conclusion of the agreement between the EU and the United States defining the security procedures for the launch of Galileo satellites from US territory. This approval, which follows from the adoption of the report by Borys Budka (EPP, Polish) (582 votes in favour, 16 against and 17 abstentions), comes after the launch of four satellites from the United States on 28 April and earlier this week (see EUROPE 13485/32). During the voting session, Christophe Grudler (Renew Europe, French) condemned this situation, saying that it was “unacceptable” that the Council and Commission had not sought Parliament’s consent before launching the satellites. “We’re not going to recall the satellites to earth, but Parliament’s agreement is not a mere administrative formality. It is imperative that we are consulted in good time”, he stressed. (CG)