Ukraine in on Galileo

The European Commission has received the go-ahead to open negotiations with Ukraine on a 'co-operation agreement' relating to the development of Galileo, Europe's satellite navigation system. The agreement would comprise multilateral and industrial co-operation, research and scientific activities (particularly relating to standardisation), regional integrity monitoring and financial investment in Galileo. The EU has already signed agreements with China and Israel, while discussions are underway with India, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico and Australia. An agreement with the US has also been signed that ensures Galileo's compatibility with the US Global Positioning System.