EU'S Verheugen says axing Galileo project is 'out of the question' UPDATE |
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Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:26
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(Adds comments on upcoming EU proposal)BRUSSELS (Thomson Financial) - EU enterprise and industry commissioner Guenter Verheugen said any notion of giving up on Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system project is 'out of the question'.Unveiling proposals for an EU space policy, Verheugen said that for all its problems the project is 'absolutely essential' for Europe.'We don't have an option of giving up on Galileo. That's out of the question,' he said at a news conference.The European Commission has given eight companies working on Galileo until May 10 to make progress on the project, which is meant to be fully operational by 2012.The companies include EADS, Alcatel-Lucent, Thales, Inmarsat and Finmeccanica SpA.Verheugen said the commission is looking at how the project should be funded.'The commission is working intensively looking at the future use of Galileo and the viability of ideas up to now,' he said.He said transport commissioner Jacques Barrot will make a proposal to the commission on May 10.The commission's aim is to ensure 'there are no further delays for Galileo and that the services are offered in the way planned and that we ensure long-term funding for the project'.victoria.main@thomson.comvm/hjp//cmrCOPYRIGHTCopyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.
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EU'S Verheugen says axing Galileo project is 'out of the question' 