Science

Funding for Europe's Galileo Satellite System Hits a Snag

In five years, the first birds for the EU’s Galileo navigation satellite system are due to be launched. However, Reuters reports that they have hit a budgetary obstacle that may set back the entire program. The 30-satellite project was meant to rival the U.S. Global Positioning System. Its future is up in the air because […]

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In five years, the first birds for the EU's Galileo navigation satellite system are due to be launched.

However, Reuters reports that they have hit a budgetary obstacle that may set back the entire program.

The 30-satellite project was meant to rival the U.S. Global
Positioning System. Its future is up in the air because of a shortfall in funding of 2.4 billion euros ($3.22 billion) needed to top up 1
billion euros of public money already invested.

EU transport ministers meeting next Thursday in Luxembourg back in principle a proposal by the European Commission to use public funds to plug the gap, but no immediate deal is expected because they differ on exactly how to source the cash.

"We are heading towards a general statement on public funding but will have to find agreement on the details," said one EU official who requested anonymity.