Brussels, 05/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The MEP Soraya Post (S&D, Sweden) has presented a draft opinion to the parliamentary committee on civil liberties and justice (LIBE) to tighten up the framework and reinforce the legislation on drones, particularly regarding aviation security issues and the protection of privacy.
First of all, the MEP wants to include remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) weighing less than 150 kg in regulation 216/2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation, as called for by the European Aviation Security Agency (EASA) (see EUROPE 11275). Given the exponential expansion of civilian drones in the European airspace, the stated aim here is to regulate the inclusion of drones in the civil aviation system, in order to ensure optimum security.
The other problem the text aims to tackle is the protection of privacy. Post is calling on the EU and its member states to tighten up the rules on the conditions for the production, sales, purchase, trade and use of RPAS, and would like to see increased safety and security and the institution of pilots' licences, flight authorisation systems and flight monitoring, particularly in no-fly zones (airports, military bases, etc.). The MEP also reiterates the importance of issuing “rules to be followed in the use of drones”, particularly regarding “visual contact”. To round off, she insists that dialogue needs to be brought in between the Union, the member states, industry, civil society and the citizens regarding the stakes and challenges represented by drones.
The MEPs have until 12 June to table amendments. The vote by the committee LIBE will then take place the following month. After that, the opinion will be sent to the committee on transport and tourism (TRAN), which is competent on the substance. In March of this year, conclusions to “set in place a framework for the future of aviation” were adopted in Riga (see EUROPE 11269). For her part, Violeta Bulc, the commissioner for transport, will make proposals at the end of this year (see EUROPE 11269). (Pascal Hansens)