After the launch of the GMES concept back in 1998 and building on the outcome of an initial exploratory period (2001-2003), the European Commission has outlined an action plan for the period up to 2008, aiming at the delivery of operational user-oriented GMES services.

The Action Plan describes the lessons learnt from the initial period, which justify the move towards GMES implementation, and details the main issues to be tackled and actions necessary in order to deliver on the commitments (in particular technical aspects such as infrastructure, data policies, dual nature of GMES, governance and funding).

A further step on the road towards GMES services was made in 2005 with the Commission communication "GMES: from concept to reality" (and its annex), in which the three services for fast-track introduction and the roadmap for their delivery were identified. In addition, the communication addressed the critical points for GMES sustainability: infrastructure (building on existing capabilities), keeping users at the forefront of GMES, a sustainable funding strategy and an adequate organisational structure.

The development of the European Spatial Data Infrastructure in compliance with the INSPIRE Directive will also facilitate the development and functioning of GMES services.