28th March, 2018
The European Commission plans to exclude Britain from its Galileo satellite programme after Brexit due to security concerns, British media reported on Wednesday.
According to online tech publisher, The Register, the EU said British businesses might no longer be able to bid on the Galileo project, and the British military might also not be able to use the system.
Galileo aims to build a European rival to the American GPS system, or possibly, Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System, also known as GLONASS by Russia.
European Commission spokesman Alexander Winterstein said it was “the right time to start thinking about adjusting co-operation” on Galileo, as Britain will no longer be a part of the EU on March 29, 2019.
British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the commission’s approach was “deeply disappointing”.
He said the decision “not only will be detrimental to Britain but will also be highly detrimental to European security”.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she wants a full defence and security treaty with the EU, but negotiations are far from complete.
Britain has contributed expertise as well as fund to Galileo.
“It is also preparing for a rift with the EU with plans to launch its own spaceport,’’ British media reported.