Drone strategy 2.0

Key points:

The EESC:

• stresses that the development of the drone market requires regional and local planning that takes into account mobility as a service with a multi-domain approach. Coordination will be necessary with relevant national and local authorities. The EESC believes that integrated land, air and maritime dimensions could become an important factor in territorial development.
• considers it essential for proper coordination between the responsible authorities to be established quickly. The already existing systems of rules and regulations will need to interact in order for drone activity to be treated as an integral part of different business sectors. Taking into account multilevel governance, the Commission should adopt guidelines to guide industrial development. The cost related to managing U-space should not be charged to the current airspace users (airlines, commercial aircraft operators).
• highlights that it is essential that a high level of physical and cyber security of drones be guaranteed so to ensure national security and prevent the hacking of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) communication and their malicious use or control. This would help maintaining the integrity and safety of urban airspace.
• believes that, as the introduction of new air mobility will most likely affect and change many aspects of our society, to ensure that maximum benefits are drawn and it gains public and political acceptance, the EU should engage in a wide competence and acceptance-building process involving all stakeholders, industrial sectors and the public.