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Setting up the European GNSS Agency

2009/0047(COD)

This report from the Commission presents the interim evaluation of the European satellite navigation programmes, Galileo and EGNOS, and the evaluation of the European GNSS Agency (GSA), as required by Regulation (EU) No 1285/2013 on the implementation and exploitation of the European satellite navigation systems ("the GNSS Regulation") and Regulation (EU) No 912/2010 setting up the European GNSS Agency ("the GSA Regulation").

The interim evaluation focuses on the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016.

The evidence presented in the interim evaluation demonstrated that overall the implementation of the GNSS Regulation and of the GSA Regulation has shown good results in the light of the general evaluation criteria and specific requirements for the European GNSS programmes. The Galileo and EGNOS programmes have achieved all the milestones that were set for the period concerned and progress is being made towards delivering on all the programme implementation objectives set for 2020.

Market uptake: over the evaluation period, the market uptake of Galileo and EGNOS has progressed well. The European GNSS industry has grown and accounted for 25% of the global GNSS market in 2015. The vast majority of new navigation chipsets include the processing of Galileo signals and are gradually integrated in user receivers in various market segments.

System deployment and services: the Galileo programme has achieved its key objective set out for the evaluation period. The system was declared operational and is providing initial services since December 2016, namely an initial open service (OS), search and rescue support service (SAR) and public regulated service (PRS).

EGNOS now provides the highest quality guided approach services available today to airline and aerodrome operators, with an increase in flight and landing safety, and benefits related to the optimisation of fuel consumption.

Budget: for the period 2014-2020, the European Union allocated a total budget of EUR 7 071.73 million for the Galileo and EGNOS programmes. This envelope covers programme management activities, Galileo deployment and exploitation activities, EGNOS exploitation activities and risks associated with these activities. As of end 2016, the Galileo and EGNOS programmes are on track to respect the budget boundaries set by the GNSS Regulation for the period 2014-2020. The Commission monitors the budget closely to ensure its stays within the limit.

Impact and effectiveness of the GSA: over the period 2014-2016, the GSA has successfully achieved important objectives for the progress of Galileo and EGNOS programmes and for the development of European downstream markets. This has been accomplished through an effective implementation of both core tasks entrusted to the GSA directly on the basis of the GSA Regulation, and tasks delegated to it by the Commission through Delegation Agreements.

Key achievements of the Agency include:

  • the implementation in particular of testing activities that were a prerequisite for the declaration of Galileo Initial Services;
  • the transition towards the Galileo exploitation phase, in particular the award of the contract to the Galileo Service operator (GSOp);
  • the smooth implementation of FP7, Horizon 2020 and Fundamental Elements R&D projects;
  • downstream market development through monitoring, communication and promotion activities.

These results have been delivered within budget.

The GSA Regulation established the Security Accreditation Board (SAB), which is responsible for security accreditation related tasks for the European GNSS systems. The SAB has performed well. Constant monitoring is required to ensure its complete independence.

Next steps: looking to the future, the Commission aims to provide a long-term vision for the programmes, allowing businesses and users to reap the benefits of the European satellite navigation systems. In this context, the Commission will strive for greater synergies between space and defence programmes, in line with the recently adopted Space Strategy for Europe and Defence Action Plan.

The European market for users of Galileo and EGNOS will expand. Also, the traditional GNSS market will be complemented with the field of Internet of Things, smart cities and Big Data. The next years will be crucial for consolidating the achievements and preparing the evolution of the programmes.