On Wednesday 11 February, the European Commission presented an action plan to counter the growing threats posed by drones. This package of measures aims to strengthen the EU’s internal security in the face of repeated violations of its airspace, disruptions at airports and risks to critical infrastructure (see EUROPE 13795/19).
The plan is built around three pillars: investment, innovation and the interconnection of national policies. For the current year, €400 million will be mobilised to help Member States acquire sufficient detection and neutralisation technologies.
Technological surveillance and border protection. The Commission plans to create a centre of excellence for combating drones in 2027 and an incident platform to centralise data. “The threat is real. It is evolving and it also crosses borders”, warned Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Home Affairs. He cited the example of Vienna, where the public services have recorded “more than 1,300 illegal drone overflights within three months”.
The plan relies on 5G networks to transform antennas into “radar” capable of tracking down malicious drones. In addition, the Commissioners have encouraged the appointment of national coordinators and are considering the creation of rapid reaction teams to support Member States in the event of a hybrid attack.
Drone safety and mapping. “When used correctly, drones are safe, sustainable and efficient. They can strengthen our resilience and give Europe a real competitive edge”, admitted Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, citing the delivery of medical equipment or the detection of oil slicks and floating waste.
After the summer, the Commissioner will present a package of measures aimed at strengthening the identification and liability of drone operators and pilots. As a result, drones will only be able to take off if their operator is identified. The proposal extends the scope of the current rules to devices weighing at least 100 grams, compared with the current minimum limit of 250 grams. This should give the authorities a better view of the terrain and make it easier to identify enemy drones.
The Commission will work to standardise and facilitate access to information on airspace restrictions. It will also lay the foundations for geofencing, so that by their very design and utilising their software, drones cannot access prohibited areas. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud and Anne Damiani)