citizens of EU member states - what do you think of galileo GPS competitor?

[rasoforos]

The oldies, this is the most advanced surveillance system in the world. And why are we worrying about the US turning foul in the first place.

For the opposite reason as to why were were not worried that Germany would play tricks on us after WW I.

[Fragony]

For the opposite reason as to why were were not worried that Germany would play tricks on us after WW I.

The west is as solid as a rock. We can count on the GPS system, and if we can't we don't need it, this is a pet-project overstretching any real use. Galileo is more advanced yes, more advanced to be able to fight sticks and stones.

[Furunculus]

could you elaborate on that?

i am really unsure as to what the US has done to engender such distrust in europe.

[rasoforos]

It has planed a lot of nasty dictatorships in Europe in the previous cold war. <-- That is my own reason of distrust. A fine country it is but it has the tendency to spawn McCarthies and Kissingers when cornered.

But for the sake of the argument let's say that it has done nothing wrong ever. This does not mean that we should be caught with our pants down if attacked (or if our western ally fails). Next time the US and (Insert superpower here) decide to divide Europe I wanna be able to tell em to stuff it where the sun don't shine

[KukriKhan]

Independence of resources is always a good thing. I think Europe spends/wastes more time, money, and goodwill than it has to, guarding against imagined American hegemony. We don't want your stuff, we have our own.

Work on the independence bit, just for independence' sake, I recommend. Same goes for your industry, military and politics.

[rory_20_uk]

The EU really has no shame. Wasn't it pretty obvious that china were paying a pittance for data that should have been kept pretty damn secret?

Then after deciding that industrial espionage in the EU merely requires writing a small cheque they proceed to build a system using the data quicker.

The UK has no need of the EU. Pull out now.

[The Black Ship]

Got a great idea...why not have the Chinese build and run it for you? Surely you can trust their Compass system more than a US GPS!

[Vladimir]

It has planed a lot of nasty dictatorships in Europe in the previous cold war. <-- That is my own reason of distrust. A fine country it is but it has the tendency to spawn McCarthies and Kissingers when cornered.

But for the sake of the argument let's say that it has done nothing wrong ever. This does not mean that we should be caught with our pants down if attacked (or if our western ally fails). Next time the US and (Insert superpower here) decide to divide Europe I wanna be able to tell em to stuff it where the sun don't shine

However you appear to accept the partnership with China. Interesting.

So the main reason to complete the project is to counter the Yanks. Brilliant, and fresh.

[Meneldil]

Hey know what? Military and technological independence is something every country should pursue.

That's what Canada have been trying to do - with little success - for a while, and I think that's what Europe should do aswell.
It's not as much a way to 'counter the yanks' as a way to have our own reliable technology.

Now, I agree that the US are for some reasons distrusted in Europe (as in the rest of the world, that's what you get for being the hegemon), and that the very idea of the US using his GPS as a diplomatic tool sounds unbelievable (but then, the US have done some unbelievable things lately).

And no, I don't think a partnership with China is a good idea. If it was up to me, China would be boycotted in whole EU.

[Furunculus]

i would take that sentiment seriously if the european nations decided to be serious about the first duty of the nation state, i.e. the provision of external security to their respective populations, something i would argue thay are failing to do spending an average of 1.75% of GDP on defence, wasting what precious little money there is on vanity projects, and damaging their strategic relationship with the worlds superpower by attempting to build parallel defence institutions that sideline NATO.

[Jolt]

i would take that sentiment seriously if the european nations decided to be serious about the first duty of the nation state, i.e. the provision of external security to their respective populations, something i would argue thay are failing to do spending an average of 1.75% of GDP on defence, wasting what precious little money there is on vanity projects, and damaging their strategic relationship with the worlds superpower by attempting to build parallel defence institutions that sideline NATO.

So we should remain subservient to the World's Greatest Power, and not prepare for the future where the EU can actually proceed with its own independent foreign policy without the guidance of the USA?

[Fragony]

i would take that sentiment seriously if the european nations decided to be serious about the first duty of the nation state, i.e. the provision of external security to their respective populations, something i would argue thay are failing to do spending an average of 1.75% of GDP on defence, wasting what precious little money there is on vanity projects, and damaging their strategic relationship with the worlds superpower by attempting to build parallel defence institutions that sideline NATO.

Spending 1.75% on the military would be silly for us, we are way too small for that much an army, the Netherlands is armed to the teeth as it is. I know it's a deal but it's not practical.

no, but the idea of the EU wishing to be an independent superpower is:

You forgot incredibly dangerous, especially with the EU's desire to include the Balkans. How easily the EU will be devided with their EU army.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

That's what Canada have been trying to do - with little success - for a while, and I think that's what Europe should do aswell.

If Canada tried to do it without the inherent anti-Americanism involved (yes, it is involved, and some of it is vicious), then I think a lot more people would be a little happier about it.

[rasoforos]

However you appear to accept the partnership with China. Interesting.

So the main reason to complete the project is to counter the Yanks. Brilliant, and fresh.

I am talking strategic independence and provision of a plan B in case Uncle Sam gets beaten...

...yet you hear what you want to hear. Not so brilliant or fresh...

[Vladimir]

I am talking strategic independence and provision of a plan B in case Uncle Sam gets beaten...

...yet you hear what you want to hear. Not so brilliant or fresh...

Uh huh. Anyway, bias and subjectivity are always in style. I would like if Europe found a way of doing it without adding to the clutter above the Earth. How many mountain ranges do you people have? That would be brilliant and fresh.