PURPOSE: to lay down the rules for the further implementation of the EGNOS and GALILEO programmes, including those on governance and the financial contribution of the Community.
LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EC) No 683/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the further implementation of the European satellite navigation programmes (EGNOS and Galileo).
CONTENT: this Regulation describes the further implementation of the Community’s two satellite navigation systems, established under the EGNOS and Galileo programmes. Each infrastructure is made up of satellites and a network of earth stations.
Galileo: the aim of the Galileo programme is to establish the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes. The system established under the Galileo programme is completely independent of other existing or potential systems.
The phases of the Galileo programme: these are the following :
(a) a definition phase during which the structure of the system was designed and its elements determined, which ended in 2001;
(b) a development and validation phase, comprising the construction and launch of the first satellites, the establishment of the first ground-based infrastructures and all the work and operations necessary to validate the system in orbit. The aim is that this phase shall end in 2010;
(c) a deployment phase consisting of the establishment of all the space and ground-based infrastructures as well as related operations. The aim is that this phase shall run from 2008 to 2013. It shall include preparations for the exploitation phase;
(d) an exploitation phase comprising infrastructure management, the maintenance, constant improvement and renewal of the system, certification and standardisation operations relating to the programme, the marketing of the system and all other activities needed to develop the system and ensure that the programme runs smoothly. The exploitation phase is set to begin at the latest upon conclusion of the deployment phase.
Financing the Galileo programme: the definition phase and the development and validation phase of the Galileo programme, which are the phases of the programme dedicated to research, have been financed substantially by the Community budget for trans-European networks and by the European Space Agency (ESA). The deployment phase should, in principle, be financed entirely by the Community. It may be decided at a later stage that public-private partnerships or any other form of contract with private sector entities are appropriate for the operation, maintenance, improvement and renewal of the system after 2013. In 2010, the Commission shall submit, together with its mid-term review, a proposal concerning the public funds and commitments required for the financing programming period starting in 2014, also covering any financial obligations with regard to the exploitation phase deriving from its responsibility relating to the public ownership of the system, the revenue-sharing mechanism for the exploitation phase, and objectives for a pricing policy ensuring that customers receive high quality services at fair prices. It shall, in particular, include a reasoned feasibility study of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of service concession contracts or public service contracts with private sector entities.
Member States may provide additional funding to the Galileo programme to cover the investment necessary for the evolution to the agreed system architecture in particular cases. Third countries and international organisations may also provide additional funding to the Galileo programme.
EGNOS: the aim of the EGNOS programme is to improve the quality of signals from existing global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). The operation of the EGNOS system shall consist primarily of infrastructure management, maintenance, constant improvement and renewal of the system, certification and standardisation operations relating to the programme, and marketing.
Financing the operation of the EGNOS system: the Community shall finance the operation of EGNOS, without prejudice to any contribution from any other source. The operation of EGNOS will initially be the subject of one or more public service contracts. Member States may provide additional funding to the EGNOS programme. Third countries and international organisations may also provide additional funding to the EGNOS programme.
Budgetary resources: The European Parliament and the Council have decided that the total estimated operating costs for the Galileo and EGNOS systems for the period 2007-2013 are EUR 3405 million. EUR 1005 million had originally been earmarked in the multiannual financial framework (2007 to 2013). This amount has been increased by EUR 2000 million. Furthermore, EUR 400 million has been made available through the Seventh Framework Programme (2007 to 2013), thus bringing the total available budget to EUR 3405 million for the programmes for the period 2007-2013.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 25/07/2008.