EU/Ukraine Cooperation Agreement: civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

PURPOSE: the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) between the European Community and its Member States and Ukraine.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council may adopt the act only if the European Parliament has given its consent.

BACKGROUND: on 8 October 2004, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Ukraine for a Cooperation Agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

In accordance with the Decision of the Council of 15 November 2005, the Agreement was signed on 1 December 2005. It allows for closer cooperation with Ukraine in the area of satellite navigation. It will implement a number of elements of the European satellite navigation programmes.

The Greement should now be approved on behalf of the European Union.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 172 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) thereof.

CONTENT: this Council proposal, proposes the approval on behalf of the European Union, the Cooperation Agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) between the European Community and its Member States and Ukraine

For further information concerning the main provision of the draft Agreement, as well as its financial implications for the European Union’s budget, please refer to the summary of the Commission’s initial legislative proposal, dated 09/10/2012.