TL;DR:
- From January 1, 2026, the EU fully implemented the new drone regulatory framework
- Rules are now based on operational risk, not recreational vs professional use
- Drones are classified by technical classes (C0 to C6) that determine where and how you can fly
- BVLOS operations follow standard scenarios (STS-01 for controlled areas, STS-02 for BVLOS)
- If your drone doesn’t have a CE class mark, you can still fly — but with additional restrictions
Let me be direct: European drone regulation was, for years, a mess. Each country had its own rules, the transition to the European system was slow, and many pilots simply didn’t know what they could or couldn’t do.
In 2026, that transition period is over. The new rules are in force and apply to all EU member states. And, to be fair, this time the system actually makes sense.
The fundamental principle: risk, not use
The most important change is conceptual. The old system divided drones between recreational and professional use. The new system ignores that distinction and focuses on a different question: what is the risk of this operation?
This means a drone used by a hobbyist in a park can have exactly the same rules as one used by a filming company — because the risk to third parties is similar.
The system is divided into three categories:
- Open — low-risk operations, no prior authorisation needed
- Specific — medium risk, requires assessment and authorisation from the national authority
- Certified — high risk (carrying people, flights over crowds), requirements similar to manned aviation
Most drone pilots operate in the Open category. But if you fly BVLOS or over dense urban areas, you likely need the Specific category.
Technical classes: C0 to C6
Every drone on the European market must now carry a class mark (C0 to C6) that determines its capabilities and restrictions. Here’s the practical summary:
- C0 — under 250g. You can fly almost anywhere in subcategory A1, including over people (but not crowds)
- C1 — under 900g or capable of transferring less than 80 joules of energy. Subcategory A1, you can fly near people
- C2 — under 4kg. Subcategory A2, fly at least 30m from people (or 5m in low-speed mode)
- C3/C4 — under 25kg. Subcategory A3, only in areas away from people
- C5/C6 — for operations in the Specific category with standard scenarios
What if my drone doesn’t have a class mark?
If you bought your drone before 2024, it likely doesn’t have a CE class mark. The good news: you can still fly. The bad news: with additional restrictions.
Drones without class marks can operate in subcategory A1 (if under 250g) or A3 (areas away from people). You cannot fly in subcategory A2 with an unmarked drone, regardless of weight.
In practice, if you have a DJI Mini 2 (249g, no C mark), you can fly in A1. If you have a Mavic Air 2 (570g, no C mark), you’re limited to A3 — areas without people.
Mandatory training and registration
Another point that causes confusion: from 2026, training and registration are mandatory for almost all pilots.
- Operator registration — mandatory for any drone with a camera or over 250g. Done online through your national aviation authority
- A1/A3 training — free online exam, mandatory for the Open category
- A2 training — more demanding in-person exam, required to fly closer to people
- STS licence — for standard scenarios in the Specific category, requires certified training
If you’ve never registered, do it now. It’s quick, it’s online, and it saves you fines that can reach several hundred euros.
BVLOS operations: what changes in 2026
For professionals, the big news in 2026 is the standard scenarios for BVLOS operations:
STS-01 — VLOS flight in controlled or populated areas, with C5 class drone, maximum altitude of 120m.
STS-02 — BVLOS flight in sparsely populated areas, with C6 class drone, maximum 2km from pilot, maximum altitude of 120m.
These scenarios eliminate the need for individual flight authorisations — as long as you follow the defined parameters exactly. This is a massive change for inspection, mapping, and precision agriculture companies.
What I recommend
If you’re a recreational pilot: register with your national authority, complete the A1/A3 online training, and check your drone’s class mark. Takes 30 minutes and you’re sorted.
If you’re a professional: evaluate whether STS-01 or STS-02 scenarios cover your operations. If so, invest in the certification — it will save you weeks of paperwork per year.
If you’re thinking of buying a new drone: buy one with a CE class mark. The difference in operational flexibility justifies the investment.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to fly a drone in Europe in 2026?
You need operator registration and A1/A3 training (online exam). For drones over 4kg or more complex operations, you need additional training.
Can I still fly my old drone (without a class mark)?
Yes, but with restrictions. Drones without class marks are limited to subcategories A1 (if under 250g) or A3 (areas without people).
What is the maximum altitude allowed?
120 metres above ground level in the Open category. In controlled zones (near airports), additional restrictions may apply.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, liability insurance is mandatory for drones over 20kg in the Open category, and for all operations in the Specific category.
