On Thursday 22 February, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published a first opinion on the use of small drones (up to 25kg), which seeks to ensure safe use and a real legal framework for these devices in the European Union.
In a press release on Thursday, the EASA explains that it suggested rules that were “as simple as possible”, particularly those focusing on safety risks, such as collisions with other drones, individuals or infrastructure.
This opinion also seeks to promote the development of an internal market for drones and related services by introducing the EC label for devices that respect common design criteria.
On the basis of this opinion, the Commission will develop a proposal this year to regulate the use of small drones on Union territory. It will, however, have to wait until the regulation on reform of the EASA statutes, which provides the EU with competency on the exploitation of drones and which is the subject of an inter-institutional agreement between the former Estonian Presidency of the Council of the Union and the European Parliament on 30 November last (see EUROPE 11916), to be formally adopted and enter into force. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)