The following blog posts are based on the work carried out by Noosware and partners for the submission of Deliverable 1.5: Drone Standards, Regulations and Risks
As Europe steps confidently into a greener, more sustainable future, a series of landmark EU policies is shaping the evolution of industries, including agriculture and technology. From drones in precision farming to carbon-neutral logistics, the European Union’s policy frameworks, particularly the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Green Deal, set the stage for innovation and transformation.
Let’s take a closer look at these pivotal strategies and how they’re creating new opportunities for forward-thinking projects like ICAERUS.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Europe’s Backbone for Sustainable Farming
Since its establishment in 1962, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been a cornerstone of Europe’s agricultural development. Originally designed to balance the vastly different agricultural traditions and economic realities of EU member states, the CAP has continuously evolved to meet changing markets, environmental, and societal needs.
In its early decades, CAP reforms focused on increasing production and modernizing farms, supported by banks, government advisory services, and new technologies. Over time, however, growing environmental awareness and stricter regulations pushed agriculture toward more sustainable and eco-conscious practices.
Key Reforms and Innovations
- 2013 CAP Reform (2014–2020): Introduced “greening measures” that tied 30% of direct payments to environmental practices such as maintaining permanent pastures and diversifying crops. While the impact on biodiversity was mixed, it marked a step toward more climate-resilient agriculture.
- CAP 2023–2027: This new phase of CAP is guided by three major EU regulations:
- Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 – on supporting national strategic plans
- Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 – on financing, management, and monitoring (replacing Regulation 1306/2013)
- Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 – amending key agricultural market and quality scheme regulations
Together, these aim to streamline agricultural support, strengthen sustainability, and encourage innovation, including the integration of drones and digital technologies to improve efficiency and environmental monitoring.
The European Green Deal: A Roadmap to a Climate-Neutral Europe
The European Green Deal is the EU’s blueprint for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It’s an ambitious and holistic plan that touches virtually every sector, from energy and transport to agriculture and industry. For innovative projects like ICAERUS, which explore the potential of drones in green industries, the Green Deal provides both a framework and an opportunity.
Core Objectives of the Green Deal
The Green Deal is structured around several key initiatives that together aim to make Europe a global leader in sustainable innovation:
Fit for 55
A legislative package designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030[1]. It translates the Green Deal’s ambitions into binding EU law, affecting climate, energy, and transport policies.
This regulation makes the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target a legal obligation, ensuring long-term policy consistency and accountability.
EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change
By 2050, the EU aims to become a climate-resilient society capable of withstanding the inevitable impacts of global warming.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
Targets the recovery of Europe’s biodiversity within this decade, essential for the resilience of ecosystems, agriculture, and communities.
Farm to Fork Strategy
Aims to make the entire EU food system fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly, supporting the transition to climate neutrality.
Positions Europe’s industry as a driver of innovation, digital transformation, and green growth.
Encourages smarter product design, recycling, and reuse, decoupling economic growth from resource use and waste generation.
Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation
Sets mandatory standards for sustainable battery production, use, and recycling, which are essential for sectors like electric mobility and renewable energy storage.
Provides financial and technical support to help regions and workers transition from carbon-intensive industries to clean energy and green jobs.
Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy
Since 75% of EU greenhouse gas emissions originate from the energy sector, this initiative promotes renewables such as offshore wind and hydrogen, system integration, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
Strives for a toxic-free environment, balancing industrial competitiveness with stronger health and environmental protections.
Forest Strategy and Deforestation-Free Imports
Includes planting 3 billion new trees by 2030, promoting sustainable forest management, and ensuring imports do not contribute to global deforestation.
[1] A new proposal at the European Parliament suggests a reduction of 90% by 2040.
Why This Matters
Both the CAP and the Green Deal are interconnected pillars of Europe’s sustainable transformation. Together, they influence everything from farming and forestry to transport, energy, and industry, influencing the advancement and uptake of innovative technologies, including drones.
Stay tuned for Part 2, focusing on UAV regulations and standards in Europe.
