Luxembourg, 13/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - In its conclusions on the European satellite radio-navigation system, adopted on 12 October, the Transport Council stressed that everything should be done to ensure that the system is fully operational by the end of 2010.
Pending the opinion of the European Parliament, the Council reached a general approach on the proposal for a regulation amending Regulation 876/2002 on the status of the Galileo Joint Undertaking. The aim is to allow smooth transition between the Galileo Joint Undertaking, whose activities will cease on 31 December 2006, and the Galileo Supervisory Authority, which is to take over. Set up to cover the extra charges linked to the development phase, the amended proposal also provides for the possibility that the undertaking's founding members (the European Community and the European Space Agency) may make additional contributions.
The Council also reached general guidelines on the proposal for a regulation to amend Regulation 1321/2004 on the management structures for the European satellite radionavigation programmes. The proposal stipulates that the Supervisory Authority will take up all the missions of the Joint Undertaking and that it will conduct all research work for development and for promoting the programme. It also foresees participation at board meetings of a representative of the EU Council General Secretariat and of the European Space Agency (ESA) as observers, as well as the establishment of a committee for the safety and security of the system.
In its conclusions, the Council sets its aim at reaching an agreement on the two proposals by the end of 2006, as well as on the seat of the Supervisory Authority. It is also adamant that it must be kept informed of negotiations underway between the European Commission and the industrial consortium with a view to concluding the concession contract for Galileo, in particular concerning risk-sharing between public and private sectors and financial implications, and before the contract is signed by the Galileo Supervisory Authority. The Council finally undertakes to define modalities for cooperation with third countries during its session in December. (dt)