EU Drone Strategy 2.0 launched
The European Commission published the European Drone Strategy 2.0 setting out a plan for the development of a European drone market. The new Strategy lays out how Europe can pursue large-scale commercial drone operations while offering new opportunities in the sector.
The strategy builds upon the framework for safe operating of drones and the regulations for the technical requirements of drones, and arrives just ahead of the adoption of the U-Space in January 2023.
The U-space is a European system to manage drone traffic safely, it is a unique system which will lay the ground for increased operations allowing the market to develop.
Notably the strategy includes a sections specifically on Innovative Air Mobility and Urban Air Mobility, eVTOL aircraft for transporting goods and people.
The Strategy envisions the following drone services becoming part of European life by 2030:
- Emergency services, mapping, imaging, inspection and surveillance within the applicable legal frameworks by civil drones, as well as the urgent delivery of small consignments, such as biological samples or medicines.
- Innovative Air Mobility services, such as air taxis, providing regular transport services for passengers, initially with a pilot on board, but with the ultimate aim of fully automating operations.
The strategy includes a list of 19 actions which will be taken to realise the objectives of the strategy.
#Drones are becoming a more regular sight in our skies, and 🇪🇺's framework makes this safe.
Europe is now ready to pursue large-scale commercial drone operations.#EUDroneStrategy sets out how to achieve this, while creating economic & social gains ⬇️https://t.co/5BHGV1ZH1R pic.twitter.com/B0ENqklOuj
— EU Transport (@Transport_EU) November 29, 2022
UK Transport Committee to host Secretary of Transport
On Wednesday 7th December, the UK Transport Select Committee will question the new Secretary of State for Transport on a range of issues relating to the Department for Transport’s work, his priorities as Secretary of State, and the Committee’s inquiries.
The cross-party Committee may also seek answers on the Department’s potentially crowded legislative agenda before the next general election. That’s because new primary legislation or updates to regulations are being called for regarding the spread of e-scooters and the likely introduction of self-driving cars and commercial vehicles.
🗓️On Wednesday morning we'll be questioning @Mark_J_Harper for the first time in his new role about his priorities as Secretary of State.
Read more about the session here 👉https://t.co/0AXGqUFYNz pic.twitter.com/ElgGHW1omk
— Transport Committee (@TransportCttee) December 5, 2022
The hearing will commence at 09:30am London time and can be followed online here.
Member States agree position on TEN-T revision
EU Member States have reached agreement on their text for the TEN-T revision.
The Commission’s proposal to revise the current TEN-T Regulation strengthens infrastructure requirements in view of achieving more efficient and sustainable transport services and of shifting passengers and freight towards more sustainable modes of transports.
The revised Regulation requires, for example, that TEN-T passenger lines allow trains to travel at 160 km/h or faster by 2040. It calls for more transhipment terminals, improved handling capacity at freight terminals, reduced waiting times at rail border crossings, and longer trains to shift more freight onto cleaner transport modes.
All 424 major cities along the TEN-T network will have to develop Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans to promote zero-emission mobility, and to increase and improve public transport.
Provisions to make the TEN-T more resilient to the effects of climate change are also included. And the Commission proposal reinforces the governance of TEN-T to assure the timely completion of the network — by 2030 for the core network, 2040 for the extended core network, and 2050 for the wider, comprehensive network.
The Parliament is set to finalise its position at the beginning of next year, clearing the way to conclude the co-decision process and adopt the new TEN-T Regulation at the end of 2023.
A seamless & sustainable transport network is 🔑 to a robust 🇪🇺 internal market. We welcome agreement reached by Member States @EU2022_CZ on #TEN_T, connecting 424 cities w/ ports, airports & railway terminals. Strengthening links w/ 🇺🇦 &🇲🇩#SolidarityLanes https://t.co/X7cBKtTlaJ pic.twitter.com/CTcsVPRIgl
— EU Transport (@Transport_EU) December 5, 2022
European Parliament Transport Committee Meeting December 8
The European Parliament Transport and Tourism Committee will meet on Thursday the 8th of December. The Agenda is available and has tow particularly interesting items:
Council Conclusions on an EU Agenda for Tourism 2030: Exchange of views with the EU Presidency and the European Commission
Regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services: Presentation by the European Commission
As always the proceedings will be broadcast online and can be followed here.
For more information on these developments or any other transport and mobility policy topic please don’t hesitate to contact us.