Solana to get power to switch off Galileo in security threat

By David Cronin and Dana Spinant

Date: 04/03/04

JAVIER Solana, the EU's foreign policy supremo, would be given the power to switch off the Galileo satellite system if it is misused in a way that endangers the security of the European Union, under a plan due to be discussed by member states' diplomats in the coming weeks.

According to the blueprint, seen by European Voice, the high representative for foreign affairs would issue instructions "to take any measure necessary to safeguard the security" of the EU. The concession holder of the system "shall immediately execute any instructions addressed to him".

Solana "would be responsible for matters where the operation of the system affects the security of the Union or the member states", "in particular as a result of an international crisis, a threat to the proper operation or actual misuse of the system".

The plan states that all aspects of Galileo "relating to the security of the Union or of the member states are handled by the Council". Management "of all aspects relating to the system's safety" would be given to a supervisory authority, which has representatives from member states and the European Commission.

However, the high representative would have the power to intervene in "exceptional cases, where the urgency of the situation is such that it requires immediate action".

A diplomat involved in the drafting of the paper said that was a proof member states "genuinely trust" Solana.

"But at the same time," he added, "somebody must be in charge of it [Galileo], somebody that can take decisions quickly.

"It is not a responsibility you can give to the presidency - in the future maybe a collective presidency - or to the Commission.

"Like it or not, it must be Solana."

A network of 30 satellites, Galileo is principally a civilian navigation system, designed for such tasks as locating distressed mountaineers or ships in danger of capsizing. However, defence experts have pointed out the €3.2 billion system could be used by military planners to manage troops and munitions more effectively.

In a recent study, the Paris-based European Union Institute for Strategic Studies said that "even if Galileo remains a civilian project, security issues will persist". Because the system will have global coverage and will offer much of its services to private firms, it could have unintended users and uses, "with implications for the EU and its allies".

The US had harboured reservations about Galileo for some time, viewing the project as a rival to its Global Positioning System (GPS).

But a deal was struck between the Commission and Washington on the project last week (25 February), under which Galileo would use the same "free signal" as the GPS.

The Americans have insisted this signal would be better to avoid potential interference with the GPS military signal.

Romano Prodi, the Commission president, has been one of the strongest advocates of Galileo, which he regards as essential to strengthen the Union's status as an economic superpower.

The system, designed by the Commission and the European Space Agency, received a major boost in September last when China agreed to contribute €203 million towards its cost.