The EASA High Level Conference on Drones opened today in Amsterdam.  Over the next several days, regulators and stakeholders from Europe and around the world will discuss what comes next for European drone regulations.

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This year’s theme for the conference is “Back to the Future of Safe UAS Regulations:” EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky says the theme points to the value of keeping sight of the progress made in drone regulations so far. “It’s good to have a look back at what we did – so that we can look forward to what we plan to do in the future.”

The publication of the European Drone Strategy 2.o: “A Drone Strategy 2.0 for a Smart and Sustainable Unmanned Aircraft Eco-System in Europe” was a major milestone for EASA in 2023.  Henrik Hololei, European Commission, Director General for Mobility and Transport says that the document’s 19 flagship recommendations and risk-based operational approach were developed with two objectives: to develop a predictable regulation environment that supports development and investment in the drone industry, and to strengthen Europe’s defense network.

Regulation development means working to achieve “the highest level of safety, with the lowest level of obstacles,” Hololei said.  “You have to get the balance right… by overregulation, we could actually put a stop to development.”

The focus on creating a strong drone ecosystem in Europe is evident in Hololei’s remarks.  “The European Union will stay at the forefront of the development of the drone industry,” Hololei said.  “…Europe will be an attractive and safe place for drone startups and investment.”

2030: the Future Vision

EASA expects to meet major milestones over the next 2 years: including the development of Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) transportation solutions and the regulations and infrastructure – such as vertiports – to support new aircraft.  Europe expects to issue the first airworthiness certificates for eVTOLs in 2023, and the development of an online hub accessible to city planners, aviation stakeholders, and citizens.

The plan for fully integrating both small and large drones into the airspace is focused on 2030, when regulators say that drones will be an aspect of the lives of most European citizens; and the drone industry will employ more than 145,000 people in the EU.

“I’m more than optimistic that this will happen,” said Holelei.  And, referring to the development of regulations that will support the industry: “You can count on the full support of the European Commission.”

With the Drone Strategy 2.0 to serve as a compass for future regulation development, Hololei says that Europe has the tools to be a leader in the industry.

“This framework puts Europe in front of the rest of the world,”  Hololein. “The EU has taken the global lead in developing regulations for all kinds of drone operations… it’s now very much in the hands of our member states.”

“This strategy is a great achievement, a design for our tasks going forward,” says Ky.  “We hope we’ve fulfilled the needs of the drone community, and can help the drone industry develop moving forward,” Ky said.

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