GALILEO, satellite navigation programme: state of progress, integration of the Egnos programme

The committee unanimously adopted the own-initiative report by Yves PIETRASANTA (Greens/EFA, F) on the progress of the Galileo programme. The report welcomed the fact that the obstacles to funding had been overcome and stressed the enormous significance of Galileo for the EU's industrial, transport, technological and environmental development. The committee pointed out that the existence of an independent European satellite global positioning system for civil purposes was a vital infrastructure investment which had great potential for numerous useful services and activities including transport, environment, telecommunications and agriculture. MEPs also stressed the need to place EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) under the control of the Joint Undertaking. The committee underlined the importance of Galileo in many sectors, such as the environment, transport and safety, and said that the project must ensure a safe environment in order to protect human lives and promptly pinpoint or even prevent natural disasters or other events which jeopardise safety. MEPs also welcomed the fact that the development of Galileo-related applications would be pursued as part of the 6th Framework Programme for research and development. Finally, with regard to the international dimension of the project, the committee welcomed the progress made in negotiations with the United States on satellite navigation and the successful completion of negotiations with China regarding its participation in the Galileo satellite navigation system and, in particular, the conclusion of an agreement on active cooperation in the field of satellite navigation. �