Luxembourg, 08/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - Adopting a resolution on Friday 8 June on the EU's satellite navigation system Galileo and EGNOS, the EU Transport Council put an end to the failed negotiations with the private sector over Galileo contracts by deciding that both Galileo and EGNOS (a system of four precursor navigation systems due to be up and running next year) would be implemented by the public sector (therefore requiring extra public funding). The ministers said they wanted the system to be operational within the deadlines (by the end of 2012) but this did not prejudice the final decision.
The Council therefore instructed the Commission to unveil detailed new funding proposals by September 2007 outlining all possible public funding mechanisms. The Commission is also to unveil plans for public sector acquisition and implementation of the 30 remaining Galileo satellites, ideas on how Galileo would actually be run, including involvement by the private sector where necessary, and plans for a healthy public management structure based on clear division of responsibility between the European Commission, the European Space Agency, the GNSS European surveillance authority, member states and the Council.
The Council is planning to decide on the implementation of Galileo soon after the summer holidays this year, based on the Commission's proposals.
'All funding options are open,' explained Wolfgang Tiefensee on behalf of the German presidency, adding that this even included private sector involvement in the phase of getting Galileo up and running. He cautioned that even if private sector funding were to be forthcoming, the public purse would cover the lion's share of the costs. Vice President of the European Commission and Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot, congratulated the German presidency on its work, explaining that Galileo was Europe's strategic project and pledging that the Commission would come up with concrete proposals over the summer. (aby)