Quotation of EUMETSAT news release from Tuesday, June 22, 2010:

"At the Council, the texts of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Programme Resolution and Programme Proposal were approved by all Member States, with Germany and Portugal voting yes ad referendum. This defines the scope and cost of the programme. In addition, 14 Member States confirmed their support for the programme itself, with the remaining Member States expected to follow before next Council. The EUMETSAT Director-General, Dr. Lars Prahm, said, “MTG is now on track, securing the future of EUMETSAT’s geostationary meteorological observations and services until at least 2038.”

For further information please visit: http://www.eumetsat.int/Home/Main/News/Press_Releases/718683?l=en

A final decision on the MTG programme is expected to be made by ESA on June 30, 2010.