How can Europe become the global market leader in drones? Or at least keep pace with the markets in Asia and the USA? While the development of the UAS/AAM industry in these regions is being supported with massive state subsidies, the EU is not really getting off the ground in this area. It is therefore high time for the European Union to pick up the pace in the race for the future market of unmanned aviation. This is not only the opinion of the drone economy, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Sakis Arnaoutoglou and Paulo do Nascimento Cabral also see a need for action here. In a joint initiative, the three MEPs have now called for specific activities to stimulate growth in the drone industry.
They presented their demands at an event in the European Parliament. On behalf of UAV DACH, Deputy Chairman Oliver Gregor Lichtenstein was involved in the technical drafting of the calls for action to the European Commission. As the only representative of a European UAS/AAM trade association, he also took an active part in the three-hour information event in order to demonstrate to MEPs first-hand the urgency of consistent industry support for the development of a sustainably successful drone economy in Europe.
Following the event entitled "Unleashing the potential of civilian drones", Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Sakis Arnaoutoglou and Paulo do Nascimento Cabral presented a joint letter to the responsible EU Commissioners. In the letter, the three expert politicians emphasize the extreme urgency of closing the growing gap between the European Union's strategic ambitions - keyword: Drone Strategy 2.0 - and real political activities with regard to unmanned systems. They emphasize that Europe is at a crossroads and that clear, focused action to build an internationally competitive UAS/AAM industry must be a top priority. The motto: "A European Lead Market for Civilian Drones - Now or Never"
UAV DACH explicitly welcomes the initiative from the ranks of the European Parliament and will actively support it in the interests of its members and the entire European UAS/AAM industry. The development of a leading international drone economy is of crucial importance for a Europe that is resilient and capable of acting in social, economic and defense policy issues. Rapid and consistent initiatives are therefore required to ensure that the European Union does not permanently fall behind the international leaders in the global race.