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Brussels, 24 May 2006

A most important step in the Galileo programme has been achieved: on 23 May 2006, the document describing the GALILEO signal definition was published on the website of the Galileo Joint Undertaking (). After several years of signal design trade-offs, analyses and technical qualifications, as well as international negotiations, the best solutions have been chosen to enable Galileo to provide accurate location information and state-of-the-art navigation performances to worldwide users.

They also ensure full compatibility with GPS (Global Position System) signals. This will now enable manufacturers to start designing, testing, and preparing for the manufacturing of receivers for the reception of Galileo signals, promote Galileo standardisation, and develop applications for the European GNSS programme (Global Navigation Satellite System). The actual manufacturing and selling of Galileo receivers by manufacturers worldwide will be subject to IPR (intellectual property rights) licences which will be issued at a later stage by the Galileo concession holder on behalf of the owner of the system, the GNSS Supervisory Authority (GSA) in the name of the EU institutions.