Europeans back European SatNav system

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Europeans overwhelmingly support the European Union's (EU) Galileo satellite navigation project, according to a new survey, but political disagreement has pushed a decision on the €2.4 billion funding shortfall to October.

Of the 26,000 people who responded to the Eurobarometer survey, 80 per cent think the EU should set up their own satellite navigation system, rather than depend on the American system.

"Europeans recognise that Galileo could have a big impact on their life in the future and they expect greater effort at European level to develop this technology", said European commission vice-president, Jacques Barrot, in charge of transport. "Therefore, we will continue the work with member states and industry to complete this major European innovation project and get the most out of our investments."

As IT PRO previously reported, the project has faced delays because of contractor disputes, political disagreement and a €2.4 billion shortfall in funding. Despite hopes that discussions this week could lead to a breakthrough, an EU council has delayed further funding negotiations until October, according to media reports.

While nearly two-thirds of the survey's respondents think the EU should increase funding for the project, some 23 per cent were opposed to increased investment.

Just under half of respondents believe that abandoning or further delaying the project will hurt the EU's image.

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