VP/HR — EU support for drone research
12.3.2014
Question for written answer P-002891-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Rina Ronja Kari (GUE/NGL)
According to the report entitled ‘Eurodrones Inc.’[1] , published by Statewatch and the Transnational Institute on 12 February 2014, the Commission has allocated at least EUR 315 million to firms engaged in research in connection with remotely piloted vehicles (RPV), or drones. Of that amount, almost EUR 120 million has gone on major security research projects[2].
The report points out in addition that the Commission has earmarked EUR 70 million under the SESAR (Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research) programme for drone integration into the air traffic management master plan. According to the report, drone integration into air traffic management is a ‘politically driven priority’[3].
1. Can the Vice-President/High Representative confirm that this information from the ‘Eurodrones Inc.’ report is correct?2. Can the Vice-President/High Representative confirm that drone research involves dual-use technology? The research is therefore usable for both military and civil purposes in spite of the fact that EU funds, including research funds, may not be used to finance military projects.3. Can the Vice-President/High Representative say whether the Commission maintains off-budget accounts in order to finance drone research?
- [1] Eurodrones Inc. (Statewatch/Transnational Institute): http://www.statewatch.org/news/2014/feb/sw-tni-eurodrones-inc-feb-2014.pdf
- [2] EU steps up funding for drone research (EU-observer): http://euobserver.com/defence/123098
- [3] EU-Kommissionen har skjult konto til forskning i militære droner: http://modkraft.dk/artikel/eu-kommision-har-skjult-konto-til-forskning-i-milit-re-droner
OJ C 326, 19/09/2014