EU/Korea Cooperation Agreement: Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
PURPOSE: to conclude the Cooperation Agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) between the European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part.
PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.
ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.
BACKGROUND: the Republic of Korea is a country with capabilities in the space technology and applications. It is an active user of satellite navigation services in various sectors including transport, fleet management, science and geodesy.
The European Commission negotiated a Cooperation agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Korea, of the other part.
The Agreement was then signed on 9 September 2006. The signatory Member States of the European Union and Korea have completed their procedures related to the entry into force of the Agreement.
CONTENT: the Commission proposes to the Council a Decision on the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement on a Civil Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part is hereby approved on behalf of the European Union. The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
This Agreement seeks to encourage, facilitate and enhance cooperation between the Parties in civil global satellite navigation. The sectors for cooperation activities in satellite navigation and timing are:
- radio-spectrum,
- scientific research and training,
- industrial cooperation,
- trade and market development,
- standards, certification,
- regulatory measures,
- augmentations,
- security,
- liability and cost recovery.
The Parties may adapt this list by decision of the GNSS Steering Committee established under the Agreement.
The present Agreement does not include, inter alia: (i) Galileo sensitive technologies and items under export control and non-proliferation regulatory measures applicable in the European Community or its Member States; (ii) Galileo System Security Architecture (space, ground and user segments); (iii) exchange of classified information concerning satellite navigation and Galileo.
This Agreement shall not affect: (i) the institutional structure established by the European Community law for the purpose of the operations of the Galileo programme; (ii) the applicable regulatory measures implementing non-proliferation and export control commitments, including control of intangible transfers of technology, nor does it affect national security measures.
The Agreement also includes measures concerning the exchange of classified information concerning satellite navigation and Galileo, consultation and dispute resolution.