Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-02-07-Speech-4-099"
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"en.20020207.6.4-099"2
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".
The purpose of the GALILEO programme is to design and build a satellite navigation system which allows users to determine their position on earth extremely accurately. Apart from the fact that it is much more accurate than the American Global Positioning System (GPS), which has been up and running for several years now, the main point about GALILEO is that, unlike the GPS, it is to come under political, rather than military control. It is also the first European space project and, if it can be successfully installed and commissioned, apart from helping to improve navigation, it will give a tremendous boost to space science and technology.
The European Commission communication under examination does not relate to the GALILEO system per se but to the creation of a joint public/private undertaking to finance its development. Mr Glante's report proposes several important improvements to the Commission proposal. However, the European Parliament approved two amendments by a large majority, led mainly by the European People's Party, with the backing of the Party of European Socialists, which seek to militarise the system by making express reference to military use of the system for so-called "peacekeeping operations". If the Council and the Commission follow this line of thinking, it will completely negate the non-military purpose of the system and will, of course, be an addition to the European Union's arsenal in its interventions against the people.
It is worth noting that the European Parliament approved a similar amendment in my report on the European Union's space policy on behalf of the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy at the last part-session. This is no random coincidence; as we pointed out on that previous occasion, it demonstrates a clear intention to use space for military purposes.
These developments prove that the global grass-roots movement needs to step up its fight against imperialist aggression and the militarisation of space.
It is for these reasons that the MEPs of the Communist Party of Greece voted against the report."@en1
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