The GMES earth observation programme, which is to monitor environmental degradation, should be officially included in the EU's multi-annual financial plans and the EU Galileo satellite navigation programme should also get proper long-term funding, says a resolution on "EU space strategy" adopted on Thursday.
MEPs call on the Commission and the Council to include funding for the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme, which is designed to help combat climate change and environmental degradation, in the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020.
So far, GMES has been funded by the EU budget. However, the European Commission said in a recent communication that after 2013, it would get intergovernmental funding instead. According to Parliament, this would be highly detrimental to the programme's future development.
Galileo, the European GPS
Galileo, the world's first satellite navigation system designed for civilian use, could enable the EU to remain independent from the US Global Positioning System (GPS).
In order to make it fully operational, its funding plan should ensure that its long-term needs can be met, MEPs say.
Procedure: Non-legislative resolution
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