On 12 June MEPs adopted new aviation safety rules to provide clear and consistent laws for the use of drones in European airspace.

Why EU-wide laws are needed

Research suggests the rapidly-developing drone sector will create more than 150,000 new jobs by 2050 and that in 10 years the industry could account for 10% of the EU's aviation market (about €15 billion a year).

However, the current system of regulation complicates cross-border trade in this growing sector. While heavy drones fall under general EU aviation rules, unmanned aircraft weighing less than 150kg are regulated at the national level, which has led to inconsistent standards across different countries.

Drones also pose a number of safety risks. Even drones below 150kg can damage aircraft, cause injuries and contribute to air and sound pollution. Drones fitted with cameras can also threaten privacy and register people’s personal data without their consent.