The European Commission, EASA, and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management together with national authorities and industry representatives this week concluded a two-day conference where they updated regulatory plans and adopted an Amsterdam Declaration to foster a common European drone services market.

The conference provided an opportunity for EASA to discuss its proposed drone rule and have an exchange of comments with the aviation community. Proposed in late 2017, the rule would require a system that ensures drones do not enter a prohibited zone. It would address pilot qualifications and require pilots to register before they operate drones heavier than nine ounces. The proposal provides alleviations for model aircraft flying.

The Amsterdam Declaration urges European agencies and industry to “continue the good progress towards the delivery of the common European drone services market.” It sets these priorities: providing support to member states in implementing European drone regulations; developing an institutional framework for a competitive services market and how drones need to be operated in the Single European Sky concept; developing European product and performance standards for drones; developing communication and promotional material for information campaigns to all drone users involved in drone operations; and investing in the necessary research and development that is a key enabler for the growth of safe, secure, and green drone operations in Europe.