Green Paper on Satellite Navigation Applications

Galileo is Europe's satellite radio navigation programme. It was launched on the initiative of the European Commission and developed jointly with the European Space Agency. With the advent of Galileo, new impetus will be given to the worldwide market for satellite navigation, positioning and timing services. These are expected to bring new prospects to various commercial sectors and improve the daily life of citizens around the world. While boosting the development of new applications by European industry, Galileo will also create many jobs across the EU.

In order to make maximum use of this opportunity and stimulate such economic development, the European Commission adopted today a Green Paper on Satellite Navigation Applications. This document will give all interested stakeholders an opportunity to provide their opinion on the development of satellite navigation applications, and in particular on the role the public sector could play in creating an appropriate framework and defining concrete targets for such applications.

The Green Paper sets out the frame in which satellite navigation applications are being developed. In particular, it intends to stimulate a discussion among interested parties and prompt new ideas on the possible tasks of the public sector to support the development of such applications.

A set of questions on applications development, on privacy and ethical issues, on the regulatory environment and others are raised throughout the document. In September 2007 the European Commission will sum up the results of the public debate and develop an action plan containing the practical measures which will be proposed as from 2008.

The public consultation will last four months and will take place through the standard web-based instruments. In parallel, a contest for young inventors will be launched to promote innovative ideas on the use of satellite navigation technologies and services

Further information: Green Paper on Satellite Navigation Applications