📖 Read more: Drone Laws in Greece 2026: Complete Guide
What Is EASA and Why It Matters
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) was established in 2002 and serves as the EU's competent authority for aviation safety — including unmanned aircraft systems. Under Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, EASA formally assumed responsibility for drones, establishing unified rules that apply across 27 EU member states plus 4 EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein) — a total of 31 states.
Before the EASA regulations, every European country had its own drone rules — creating chaos for pilots who traveled. A German tourist in Greece, a Frenchman in Sweden, a Dutchman in Italy — new rules every time. The EASA regulations created a common baseline, although each member state retains the right to impose additional national restrictions.
The two core regulations were published in June 2019 and came into force on January 1, 2021:
- Regulation (EU) 2019/945: Covers technical design and manufacturing requirements — what a drone must comply with as a product (classes C0-C4, CE marking, Remote ID)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/947: Covers operational rules — how, where, and under what conditions you can fly
The 3 Flight Categories
EASA established a three-category system based on risk. The greater the risk of a flight, the stricter the requirements. This means vacation photography with a small drone is treated very differently from an industrial inspection or a commercial parcel delivery flight.
Open Category
For low-risk flights. No prior authorization required — only operator registration and competency certificate. Includes subcategories A1, A2, A3. Maximum height 120m, visual line of sight (VLOS), maximum weight 25kg.
Specific Category
For medium-risk flights. Requires authorization from the national civil aviation authority or a Standard Scenario (STS) declaration. Covers BVLOS, flights over people, larger drones.
Certified Category
For high-risk flights — transporting people, carrying dangerous cargo, flying over large gatherings. Requires drone certification, licensed pilot, and approved operator.
Open Category: Subcategories A1, A2, A3
The Open Category covers the vast majority of drone pilots — hobbyists, travelers, content creators, photographers. No prior authorization from the aviation authority is required, but strict conditions apply. It is divided into three subcategories:
Subcategory A1: Flying Over People
A1 allows flights over individual, uninvolved people (but not over assemblies of people). You can only fly drones of class C0 (weight <250g) or C1 (weight <900g). For C0, no exam is required (just reading the manual). For C1, an A1/A3 certificate is needed through an online examination.
Subcategory A2: Close to People
A2 allows flights close to people — at a minimum distance of 30 meters (or 5 meters in low-speed mode (<3 m/s)). Only class C2 drones (weight <4kg) are permitted. Requires an A2 certificate, obtained through self-study, practical training, and an online examination. The A2 certificate requires that you already hold the A1/A3.
Subcategory A3: Away from People
A3 covers flights in areas remote from people — at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, or industrial zones. Accepts drones of classes C2, C3, C4 (weight <25kg). Only requires the A1/A3 certificate. This is the most “open” subcategory and is suitable for rural, mountainous, or coastal locations.
💡 Important Clarification: Drones purchased before December 31, 2023 without a class label (C0-C4) can still fly in the Open Category, but under the Regulation's “transitional provisions” — meaning they fly as “legacy drones” with certain weight restrictions. Drones <250g fly as C0 in A1, <500g in A1 (without flying over uninvolved persons), <2kg in A3, and <25kg in A3.
Drone Classes: C0, C1, C2, C3, C4
According to Regulation (EU) 2019/945, every drone sold in the EU must bear a Class Identification Label along with the CE marking. Since January 1, 2024, this label is mandatory for new drones. The classes determine where and how each drone can fly:
C0 — <250g
The lightest class. Max speed 19 m/s. No operator registration needed (unless equipped with camera). Fly in A1 — even over people. Example: DJI Mini 4 Pro (~€700 / ~$759).
C1 — <900g
Impact energy <80J. Must be remotely identifiable (Remote ID). Fly in A1. Require A1/A3 certificate.
C2 — <4kg
With low-speed mode (<3 m/s). Must have Remote ID, geo-awareness, and adjustable speed. Fly in A2 and A3.
C3 — <25kg, max 3m
Maximum dimension 3 meters. Remote ID, geo-awareness. Fly only in A3 (away from people).
C4 — <25kg
No automatic flight modes (e.g., model aircraft). Fly only in A3. No Remote ID or geo-awareness required.
EASA also defines classes C5 and C6, which apply exclusively to the Specific Category — particularly Standard Scenarios STS-01 (VLOS over a controlled ground area) and STS-02 (BVLOS over a sparsely populated area).
Operator Registration & Remote ID
Under Regulation (EU) 2019/947, every drone operator must register with the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of their country of residence. In Greece, this is the HCAA (Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority). Registration is mandatory if:
- The drone weighs more than 250g, or
- The drone is equipped with a camera (regardless of weight), or
- The drone can transfer kinetic energy above 80 Joules on impact
After registration, you receive a unique Operator Registration Number that must be displayed on your drone. This number is linked to the Remote ID system — a digital identification system that broadcasts the operator's identity, drone position, and flight direction in real time. According to EASA, Remote ID has been mandatory since January 1, 2024 for drones of classes C1, C2, and C3 in the Open Category.
"The operator registration number must appear on every drone you fly — like a vehicle license plate. Without it, the flight is illegal." — EASA UAS Guidance
📖 Read more: Where Can You Fly a Drone in Greece: Complete Zone Guide
Drone Pilot Certificates
EASA established two core competency certificates for the Open Category:
A1/A3 Certificate
- Free online examination (40 questions)
- Topics: aviation safety, human limitations, regulations, meteorology
- Minimum age: 16 years (unless state specifies otherwise)
- Valid for 5 years
- Required for A1 (C1) and A3
A2 Certificate
- Requires A1/A3 first
- Self-study + practical training
- Theory exam (30 questions) from authorized body
- Cost: approximately €50-100 (~$54-108) depending on country
- Valid for 5 years
- Required only for A2 (C2 drones)
In the Specific Category, an additional STS (Standard Scenario) certificate may be required, while the Certified Category requires full pilot licensing — similar to manned aircraft pilots.
How Rules Apply in Each Country
While EASA regulations are uniform, each member state retains the right to national derogations — so-called “UAS geographical zones.” This means rules that apply in the Netherlands may differ significantly from those in Greece or France. Here are some notable national differences:
- Greece: The HCAA requires individual flight applications via DAGR/email for every flight — even for drones <250g. The DAGR system provides zone mapping.
- France: The DGAC requires registration through the AlphaTango platform. Flying over urban areas is prohibited without special authorization. Géoportail maps for zones.
- Germany: The LBA (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) enforces strict geographical zones. Mandatory liability insurance. dipul.de system for registration.
- Spain: AESA allows flights in certain urban areas after notification. ENAIRE Drones app for zones.
- Italy: ENAC uses the D-Flight system for applications. Special restrictions around archaeological sites.
- Netherlands: One of the most drone-friendly countries, maps via map.godrone.nl. Automatic approval in many zones.
The general rule: EASA regulations are the minimum common baseline, but each country can make them stricter — never more relaxed. Before flying in a new country, always check the national regulations.
U-space: The Future of Airspace Management
Under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664, the European Commission established the U-space framework — a digital airspace management system specifically designed for drones. The regulation has been applicable since January 26, 2023 across the entire EU.
U-space is a set of digital services enabling safe, efficient, and secure access for large numbers of drones to airspace. Under Regulation 2021/664, member states can designate “U-space airspace” — geographical zones where drone flight is only possible using U-space services. The mandatory services include:
- Network Identification Service: Continuous monitoring of each drone's identity, position, and direction in real time
- Geo-awareness Service: Informing pilots about airspace restrictions, no-fly zones, and geographical zones
- Flight Authorisation Service: Automated authorization of each flight to prevent conflicting trajectories
- Traffic Information Service: Alerting pilots to other drones or aircraft in proximity
According to the SESAR Joint Undertaking (the EU's research arm for air traffic management), U-space development progresses in 4 phases: U1 (basic services — e-registration, e-identification, geofencing), U2 (flight management, flight planning, tracking), U3 (detect and avoid, dense urban areas), and U4 (full automation). Most member states are in the U1-U2 phases, with pilot programs in Spain, Sweden, and Belgium.
An important note: the U-space regulation does not apply to C0 class drones (<250g) flying in VLOS in subcategory A1 — these flights are considered low-risk and are exempt.
Liability Insurance: Mandatory or Not?
Under Regulation (EU) 785/2004, third-party liability insurance is mandatory for commercial drone flights — but many member states also require it for recreational use. Germany, for example, requires liability insurance for every drone flight, regardless of weight or purpose. Austria follows the same approach. In Greece, insurance is recommended but not always legally mandatory for recreational flights — although with fines reaching up to €50,000 (~$54,250), it's an extremely wise investment.
Drone insurance costs across Europe vary: in Germany approximately €40-80 (~$43-87) annually for basic recreational coverage, in Greece around €60-150 (~$65-163) depending on the provider, and pan-European programs (e.g., via DJI FlySafe Insurance or Verifly) from €5-10 (~$5-11) per day.
What to Do Before Flying in Europe
Regardless of country, follow this checklist before every flight in a European member state:
- Register as a UAS operator with the national authority of your country of residence (e.g., HCAA for Greece, LBA for Germany, DGAC for France)
- Obtain the A1/A3 certificate — free online examination. If flying C2, also obtain A2
- Check the national rules of the country where you'll be flying — there may be additional requirements
- Check geographical zones — use the national map system (DAGR for Greece, Géoportail for France, etc.)
- Ensure your drone bears CE marking and, if purchased after January 1, 2024, a class label (C0-C4)
- Activate Remote ID if required (C1, C2, C3)
- Display your operator registration number on the drone
- Secure liability insurance if the country requires it or if flying commercially
- Maximum height: 120m, VLOS, don't fly over gatherings
- Check the weather — don't fly in strong wind or rain
What's Changing: Developments 2024-2026
European drone legislation is in continuous development. According to EASA, the most significant changes include:
- Mandatory class labels (from January 1, 2024): Every new drone must bear C0-C4 or C5/C6. Older drones operate as “legacy.”
- U-space expansion: More member states are designating U-space airspace. EASA certified the first U-space Service Provider (ANRA Technologies) — a significant milestone.
- Drone Economy Dashboard: EASA launched a dedicated dashboard for monitoring the European drone market (May 2025).
- Standard Scenarios (STS): STS-01 and STS-02 allow flights in the Specific Category without a full risk assessment — only a declaration.
- Certified Category development: EASA is developing regulations for air taxis and human transport — expected to be finalized within 2026-2027.
🇪🇺 Important: Operator registration in one member state is recognized across all EASA states — no new registration is needed each time. However, national rules (geographical zones, flight applications, insurance) must be followed in each country.
Fines and Penalties
Violating EASA regulations carries penalties determined by each member state. Fines vary significantly:
- Greece: €1,000 - €50,000 (~$1,085 - $54,250) and criminal prosecution in serious cases
- Germany: Up to €50,000 (~$54,250) for unauthorized flights
- France: Up to €15,000 (~$16,275) and one year imprisonment
- Italy: €1,000 - €36,000 (~$1,085 - $39,060) depending on severity
- Spain: €225 - €225,000 (~$244 - $244,125) in the most serious categories
In all countries, flying in prohibited airspace (airports, military bases) is treated as a criminal offense — penalties may include equipment confiscation, criminal prosecution, and imprisonment.