Europe Weighs Giving Utilities, Infrastructure Companies More Powers to Counter Drones
European governments are considering granting utilities and infrastructure companies more authority to counter threatening drones, following a series of incidents exposing gaps in the continent's protection systems. According to a Reuters report, the proposal aims to address the growing concern over drone security, particularly after a recent surge in incidents near critical infrastructure.
The debate follows a report by Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank, which highlighted the need for clearer responsibilities and stronger coordination among national authorities, police, military forces, and European institutions. The report noted that incidents involving drones near Europe's critical infrastructure quadrupled over the past year, underscoring the challenges governments face in detecting and responding to potential attacks.
The European Commission had previously announced an action plan to improve drone security, but progress has been slow. Eight months after the plan's introduction, countries were only invited to nominate coordinators and consider a coordination mechanism. The Commission had promised a follow-up drone security package, but it has yet to materialize.
The Bruegel report emphasized the need for national coordinators and maps identifying which authorities protect critical infrastructure and when military forces take over from police. The proposal to grant utilities and infrastructure companies more powers is seen as a step towards enhancing Europe's drone defense capabilities.
