On August 2, ENAV, Alenia Marconi Systems and Telespazio (part of the Telecom Italia group) signed an agreement with the proposed European satellite navigation system Galileo. The partners now intend to consolidate their joint activities which in the past have seen the success of the Stenav 1, Stenav 2 and Mediterranean Free Flight programs. For ENAV, this agreement forms part of the already launched process of internationalising of activities; for Telespazio it implies a further development of its own capacities in value added services and the realisation and management of satellite systems; for Alenia Marconi System it will permit a renewed commitment for the development and realisation of new systems for air traffic control based on satellite technology. The initiative, which foresees an initial investment of E52 million, will enable Italy to play a relevant role in the European context in this area.