WRITTEN QUESTION E-1527/03

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 May 2003)

Subject: Viability of the Galileo project and the planned delivery in 2008 and possibilities of continuing this project without EU support

1. Is there any truth in the report of an interview with Commissioner de Palacio published in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero saying that the success of the Galileo project would be jeopardised if the governments of EU Member States and the companies concerned do not resolve their differences of opinion rapidly?

2. What are the reasons for Spain, in particular, having to reduce its interest to enable the management of the European Space Agency (ESA) to implement the plans?

3. Why do the contracts have to be signed before summer 2003 and why is no further delay possible after that date? After the planned delivery date in 2008 will there be major changes in the competitive position of Galileo vis-à-vis the US satellite navigation system, Global Positioning System (GPS), that has already captured a major share of the world market and of the European market as well?

4. Was the initiative for and actual implementation of the Galileo plans taken over by two private companies at the end of March 2003, namely Astrium of Germany and Alenia of Italy, instead of this remaining a responsibility of the ESA?

5. What reasons prompted the EU and its Member States to continue participating financially in what is a commercial venture by Astrium and Alenia and bearing the associated risks? Why is it is anticipated that the project cannot survive without support?

6. When will it become clear whether the Galileo project can continue and whether, if it does continue, the EU can go on sharing financial liability for it?

Source: Netherlands newspaper, Het Financieele Dagblad, 14 April 2003

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2003)

On 27 May 2003 the Member States of the European Space Agency happily reached agreement on the Galileo project. It is now essential that work begin rapidly on the construction of an initial satellite, so as to secure the frequencies obtained at the 2000 World Radiocommunication Conference (Galileo may use the said frequencies only if a satellite broadcasts the corresponding signals by the middle of 2006). Moreover, no major change should occur in the competitive position of Galileo vis-à-vis the GPS system before 2008.

The Galileo programme is a major European public project being carried out jointly by the Union and the European Space Agency. If it wishes, the Galileo Industries private consortium may, like other undertakings operating in the space industry, respond to invitations to tender launched as part of the programme. Responsibility for the Galileo programme, including the power of initiative and programme implementation, remains entirely in public hands.

The Commission remains convinced that the Galileo programme will be seen through to completion, given its economic, political and technological importance. The Union will provide it with funding worth EUR 550 million over the period 2002-2005.

Lastly, it is not for the Commission to comment on how much a Member State contributes within the European Space Agency.