This is a momentous development, as in the words of EASA Executive Director, Patrick Ky “Europe will be the first region in the world to have a comprehensive set of rules ensuring safe, secure and sustainable operations of drones both, for commercial and leisure activities. Common rules will help foster investment, innovation and growth in this promising sector”.

The new rules regulate both the technical and operational requirements for drone usage within the European Union and oblige operators of drones to register in the Member State where they have their residence or their main place of business by June 2020.

Drone registration will be compulsory for all drone operators who are using a drone in the ‘Open’ category with a drone weight of more than 250g or less then 250g when it is not a toy and it is equipped with a sensor able to capture personal data, drones operating in the ‘Specific’ category and all certified drones.

The Regulation will enter into force within 20 days from the date of publishing, however it will only become applicable as from June 2020. This facilitates the transition process for Members States, including Malta and drone operators.

KPMG Malta will be following the developments of the regulations over the coming months and the way in which the rules will impact the Maltese landscape and other small Member States like Malta.

Commission Delegated Regulation on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems and Commission Implementing Regulation on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft may be accessed on the European Union Law website.