Aviation: European Network of U-space Stakeholders re-launched

European Commission Director-General for Mobility and Transport, Henrik Hololei, today kicked off the re-launch of the European Network of U-space Stakeholders, extending its scope. The network, until now known as the European Network of U-space Demonstrators, is a forum to share knowledge on how to keep drone operations safe, secure and green. It focuses on the so-called U-space system that connects all flying drones, making them visible for authorities and citizens.

Until now, the network focused on the exchange of lessons learned from research, development and demonstration projects. With the U-space regulatory framework becoming applicable in early 2023 (having been adopted in April 2021), it is now time for the network to shift its focus from demonstrations to implementation.

The network will continue to receive support from the same support cell. The cell brings together the policy roles of the European Commission, the regulatory and safety competences of the European Aviation Safety Agency, the R&D management expertise of the SESAR Joint Undertaking, and the technical and operational air traffic management expertise of EUROCONTROL.

The launch event was hosted by EUROCONTROL, and saw presentations from Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia on behalf of the Urban Air Mobility Initiative Droniq, the Port of Antwerp and Manna Drone Delivery – all four part of the network of European U-space stakeholders.

Next Steps

The next European Network of U-space Stakeholders meeting will take place in Amsterdam on the 17January, as part of the Amsterdam Drone Week.