EU Proposes Mandatory Registration for Drones Weighing Over 100 Grams

The European Commission has announced plans to introduce stricter regulations on the operation of drones across EU member states. In response to a significant rise in unauthorized drone flights over sensitive infrastructure, the Commission aims to enforce a mandatory registration system for all drones weighing more than 100 grams.

According to the Commission's unveiled action plan, the proposed measures are designed to enhance the safety and security of vital installations, such as power plants, underwater cables, and pipelines. The new rules would require drone operators to register their devices before use, ensuring that the identity of every operator is documented and that each drone can be remotely identified at all times.

Currently, EU regulations mandate registration for drones above 250 grams. However, the rapid advancement of drone technology and the increasing capability of lighter drones have prompted authorities to lower the threshold to 100 grams. This change reflects growing concerns that even small drones can pose significant risks to critical infrastructure and public safety.

The proposed law would make it compulsory for all small drone operators to register with the relevant authorities, regardless of whether the drone is equipped with a camera. Registration would be tied solely to the weight of the aircraft, removing previous exemptions based on equipment or intended use. Additionally, drones will be required to include technology that enables authorities to identify their operators remotely, and the devices will not be permitted to take flight unless their registration number has been provided.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently manages a registry that includes approximately 1.6 million drone operators. The new regulations are expected to expand this database substantially as they extend to a broader category of drones.

Beyond civilian use, the Commission is also addressing potential military threats from drones originating outside the European Union. Plans are underway to reinforce existing test centers for military and dual-use drones, such as the Seabed Security Experimentation Centre in The Hague. These facilities focus on safeguarding critical assets like offshore wind farms and subsea communication lines, particularly in regions bordering the North and Baltic Seas.

To support member states in implementing these enhanced security measures, the Commission will allocate EUR400 million in new EU funding. Of this, EUR150 million will be designated for border surveillance utilizing drones, while EUR250 million will be available for the acquisition of anti-drone systems. This funding is intended to help both border authorities and critical infrastructure operators strengthen their defenses against unauthorized drone activity.

The issue has become increasingly relevant for utility providers and other organizations responsible for critical infrastructure, as demonstrated by the recent detection of more than 1,000 illegal drone flights over sensitive facilities in a single European city within a three-month period.

From an industrial perspective, the Commission is also considering incentives for civilian companies to participate in the development and production of military-grade drones. Potential regulatory adjustments may be included in forthcoming EU industrial legislation, encouraging automotive manufacturers and other industrial players to contribute to the expansion of European drone capabilities for defense purposes. Several major companies have already announced plans to enter the military drone market, reflecting the growing intersection between civilian and defense technology sectors.

The Commission's legislative package on drone regulation and security is expected to be presented by the end of September. Once enacted, the new rules would apply uniformly across all EU member states, significantly enhancing the region's ability to monitor, control, and mitigate risks associated with unmanned aerial vehicles.