Brussels, 17/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - The own initiative report by Jacqueline Foster (ECR, UK) on the safe use of drones argues that legal loopholes be closed and calls for harmonisation of national laws across Europe in order to ensure protection of privacy and greater air safety.
This, Foster said as she presented her report to the transport committee on Tuesday 14 July, is the very first European Parliament report to address the issue of civilian drones. She stressed the need to find a fair balance between national and air security matters and data protection and protection of industrial interests. In the view of the Conservative MEP it is absolutely necessary to address the exponential rise in the use of drones over the last 15 years but by means of a flexible approach, careful not to undermine the potential that drones represent for all economic sectors, “whether it is engineers checking the safety of power cables, a farmer monitoring his crops, or an entertainment company taking footage of a rock concert”.
The report will be put to the vote in committee in September and then in plenary session on 26 October. In April 2014, the European Commission published a communication on the need to put in place a clear regulatory framework for remotely piloted aircraft systems. In March, a European statement on drones was adopted setting five key principles (see EUROPE 11269) and the European Aviation Safety Agency presented a graduated regulation concept for drones (see EUROPE 11275). It is the Commission's intention to draft proposals before the end of the year. (Pascal Hansens)