On Wednesday 22 November, the European Commission, national authorities and industry, adopted the Helsinki declaration to make drone flights more secure in Europe. This follows the high-level conference on drones on 20 and 21 November in Helsinki.
This declaration identifies three priorities to enhance the security of commercial flights by 2019. The different parties are first of all appealing for legal standards to be introduced for drones and drone flights. To achieve this aim, they are urging the European Parliament and Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union to conclude the inter-institutional negotiations for reforming the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It should be recalled that the two parties would like to conclude these negotiations by 29 November at the latest (see EUROPE 11903).
The declaration signatories would then like more investment to be carried out in long-term research and development projects and simulations, particularly with regard to autonomous vehicles.
Finally, the signatory parties to the declaration would like efficient procedures for implementing standards to be introduced so that they are adapted to the technological developments of drones and the European market. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)