Transport MEPs: Europe should take the opportunity to lead the way in drones for civil use
The EU could be a global player in the field of manufacturing and operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in civil aviation, Transport MEPs stressed in a debate on Tuesday. However, safety and data protection issues must be addressed, they said.
"The sector needs to be seen globally. The potential growth in industry from manufacturer to end user is immense. It is imperative that we maintain world class standards, said rapporteur Jacqueline Foster (ECR, UK), who will be drafting a report in response to the European Commission communication outlining potential areas to be addressed.
“We have to look at safety authorizations, safeguarding privacy and data protection, security and liability, but some of this is already being done. Let's not overcomplicate this, she said. “We need a case-by-case approach. Instead of focussing inward for a solution only for the EU, we should continue to work on what we do internationally ", she added.
Many MEPs recognised the economic opportunities, also for SMEs, and for job creation and called for the EU to give a boost to the sector. Some also called for an EU level framework to be developed to ensure that there is no distortion of the market and to “future-proof” the rules to allow EU to remain competitive internationally.
MEPs also stressed that safety, privacy, data protection and liability issues need to be addressed. Training and standards for professional qualification should be developed, MEPs said.
Watch the full debate here.
Next steps
The draft report is scheduled to be presented in TRAN committee in June and to be voted in the committee in September.
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