European Satellite Navigation Systems: another step towards agreement on Europe’s first GPS systems

On Wednesday, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament adopted by a large majority the Report on ‘The Implementation and Exploitation of European Satellite Navigation Systems’ by Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group.

The Report outlines several important EU actions for the successful implementation and exploitation of the two European satellite navigation systems, Galileo and EGNOS. The EPP Group Rapporteur insisted on making it possible to invest in the development of applications and to break down the budget allocated to the programme into different project segments, an essential action for cutting costs and better cost management. He also emphasised the importance of informing citizens about the two satellite navigation systems and to establish a set of incentives for all users in order to take up these new technologies. The Report also stresses the importance of good governance for EU space activity by setting clear targets and roles for all actors involved.

“At present, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology accounts for 7% of the EU’s GDP, but its potential is far greater. Galileo and EGNOS provide Europe with the means to build on that potential, while also ending the EU’s reliance on foreign military GNSS technology. But in order to do so, we need clear targets and roles, we need public awareness, investments in developing applications, we need adequate industrial policies, as well as a strong governance to ensure pan-European support to deploy the 30 satellite constellation as planned. This is the bottom line of this Report”, said Marinescu.

The Rapporteur insisted on the importance of investing in the development of GNSS technology-based applications, which can increase efficiency in different areas of the economy and have a vast potential for industry and new jobs in Europe. The Report also highlights the need to stimulate research and innovation (R&I) in satellite systems applications, by creating synergies with programmes such as Horizon 2020. “It is a fact that space infrastructure is invisible. Applications based on GNSS technology are what make them visible. Road safety, fee collection, traffic and parking management, emergency calls, goods tracking, online booking – these are just a few applications that can make life easier for citizens. Europe must not miss the opportunity to develop the satellite navigation downstream market. Thus, we are asking for a clear action plan for the European GNSS Agency in order to grow this market that will be crucial for the future of the EU’s economy”, said the EPP Group Vice-Chairman.

The Marinescu Report also stresses the importance of good governance for the EU’s space activity by setting clear targets and roles for all actors involved. “There are a number of actors involved in the EU’s space activity. To secure efficient activity, we need good governance. We need to see results, and therefore we need to clearly see the role of each entity. All this should fit in a larger picture of the future of the EU’s Space Policy, which should be clearly defined soon. National agencies could come up with concrete proposals in this direction so that the Commission can harmonise the input from the Member States and define an EU vision.”

The vote follows the Council’s confirmation on 11 September of the first reading agreement. As a next step, the Report will be voted in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg in October, being one of the first completed Reports in connection with the 2014-2020 EU budget.