The Paris headquarters of the European Space agency hosted last 6 February a meeting of the ESA’s Satellite Navigation Committee (PB-NAV), with the participation of Fernando Guerra as national delegate.
The introductory remarks served to debate the Brexit question and respective implications for management of GALILEO, the responsibility of the European Commission (EC). Among other topics, perhaps the most important one concerned the fact that only member-states of the European Union (EU) can access more sensitive and classified information.
Another sensitive issue related to Brexit concerns the participation and involvement of the United Kingdom in public regulated service (PRS). It was mentioned that British personnel involved in this area have been assigned to other tasks.
Regarding the financial framework partnership agreements (FFPAs), due to take effect in mid-2021, there are two phases. The first is this year, in which the UK maintains a transition agreement with the EU. The second phase remains unchanged, because the EC and not notified the UK about the derogation.
The report about the NAVISP programme (main activity involving the ESA in satellite navigation) was discussed.
The report on activities in the scope of the Evolution European Global Navigation Programme (EGEP) was presented.
The next meeting of PB-NAV will be held on 6 May 2020 in Prague.
