About: drones
Agricultural drones are gradually ‘taking off’ in France
France is experimenting with drones as a means of spraying pesticides so that by 2021 it may launch the practice as it could lead to more precise treatments, as well as a reduction in the use of phytosanitary products. EURACTIV France reports.
Wind of change in Europe’s defence policy
As Europe struggles with financial and political obstacles besetting its joint defence policy efforts, and NATO faces internal rifts and an increasingly assertive Russia and China, here are six issues to watch in Europe's security and defence in 2020.
After years of delays, NATO receives US-made spy drones
NATO will receive its second US-made Global Hawk drone on Thursday (19 December) and aims to have all five unmanned aircraft of its $1.5 billion surveillance system operational in 2022, alliance officials said on Tuesday.
Trump is ‘not America,’ Weber says after US downgrades EU diplomatic status
One of the frontrunners to take up the next EU Commission Presidency, Manfred Weber, responded to concerns over the US Trump administration on Wednesday (9 January), saying that the President "is not America".
Autonomous weapons, AI are future of defence but require ethical debate, says expert
Should a computer be allowed to take decisions over life and death? As artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role, many issues still need to be discussed in parliament and by the general public, Ulrike Franke told EURACTIV about the ongoing autonomous weapons debate and the future of warfare.
EU defence gets €20 billion budget boost
The EU on Wednesday (2 May) announced plans to spend nearly 20 billion euros on defence over its next long-term budget, as the bloc seeks to boost its resilience to the perceived threat from Russia.
France and Germany to develop new European fighter jet
France and Germany unveiled plans yesterday (13 July) to develop a European fighter jet, burying past rivalries as part of a raft of measures to tighten defence and security cooperation.OpinionPromoted content
From drones to cyberattacks – shoring up corporate security
With its high-performance networks and data centers, Deutsche Telekom is arguably Europe's leading ICT-services provider, writes the German telecoms group, whose services range from drone protection to cybersecurity.
EU aims to regulate drone traffic from 2019
The EU's air traffic management body unveiled on Friday (16 June) a proposal for regulating the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) in low-level airspace from 2019, saying it should help create "a strong and dynamic EU drone services market".
French farmers seek expert advice on going digital
France’s farming community has already started introducing new technologies but it’s still concerned about the cost as well as the lack of information on the “right choices” of equipment.
MEPs want ‘free cash’ to address job-killer robots threat
EU legislators today (12 January) called for a universal basic income to combat the looming risk of job loss by the onward march of robots, as well as concerns about European welfare systems.
EU plans first laws on robotics
A European Parliament committee will look Thursday (12 January) at a draft resolution relating to the regulation of robotics. The text could become the basis for the first European legislation on automation and robots. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU solicits support for watered down aviation emissions deal
On the eve of the International Civil Aviation Organisation conference in Montreal, the EU is redoubling its efforts to bring in as many countries as possible to limit aviation emissions starting in 2021.
Aviation industry reiterates need for EU drone laws
The European Cockpit Association (ECA) has called on the EU to step up its efforts in introducing a safety framework for drones and to set up a mandatory register. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Failed rocket was carrying Facebook satellite to give Africa the Internet
The space rocket which exploded before take-off yesterday (1 September) was carrying a satellite Facebook intended to use to connect sub-Saharan Africa to the internet.
Member states to impose ‘no-fly zones’ for drones
Within weeks, the European Commission is expected to conclude the first EU rules for all types of unmanned aircraft, in which the ‘geofencing’ of airports and city centres will come as a top priority.
EU maritime agency gets ready to use drones to monitor refugee boats
The director of the EU maritime safety agency said civil drones are most needed to monitor hotspots and detect refugees arriving to Europe by boat.
Commission leaning towards drone restrictions after Paris attacks
The political shockwaves triggered by the Paris attacks have hit the growing market for drones, with EU policymakers taking a tougher stance on how to regulate the unmanned aircraft.
Baluchistan: A reality we cannot ignore
Europe shouldn't remain silent about the atrocities taking place in Pakistan's Baluchistan province, writes MEP Charles Tannock.
Parliament wants EU drones to ‘conquer the world’
The European Parliament has called on the executive to table legislation ensuring the safe use of drones in civil aviation, hoping to boost an industry expected to reach €80 billion by 2025.
Europe faces up to flight safety threat posed by drones
No-drone zones, software to block flights into sensitive areas and registration rules are among proposals from European regulators and aviation experts to ensure growing numbers of drones don't case dangerous run-ins with passenger aircraft.
Drones need stricter regulation, say pilots
Europe's association of professional airline pilots has expressed its concern over the sharp increase in the use of civil drones and the risks they pose to passenger aircraft. La Tribune reports.
MEPs denounce EU funding of Israeli defence firms
MEPs have called for tighter controls on European financing of Israeli companies. Lax regulation currently allows weapons manufacturers access to EU funding. EURACTIV France reports.