The European Commission is reviewing its Drone Strategy 2.0 this year to look at progress since its adoption in 2022 and to identify possible changes or additional measures for the EU drone market. As part of this work, the Commission is revising the mandate of its existing expert group on drones and reopening membership.

The group will be renamed "the Expert Group on drones and innovative air mobility". Its updated mandate is designed to improve stakeholder participation, make it possible to set up sub-groups and align working methods with the Commission’s rules for expert groups.

It is intended to support the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport in preparing policy initiatives, improving cooperation between the Commission, Member States, EU bodies and stakeholders, and sharing best practice for the safe, secure and sustainable development of the sector.

The group shall be composed of around 80 members. 

• Around 38 stakeholder organisations in the broad sense of the word, including companies, associations, NGOs, trade unions, universities, research institutions and training organisations  (Type C members)
• Member States' authorities at national level, with a maximum of one authority per Member State (‘Type D members’); 
• Around 15 other public entities, such as public authorities from EFTA countries, EU bodies, offices or agencies, and international organisations (‘Type E members’)

The call for applications is open and applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. The first evaluation round is due to take place in June 2026 and then annually. Organisations that want to be considered in the first round need to apply by 9 June 2026 and should send their application by e-mail to move-e4-drones@ec.europa.eu. Please include "EXPERT GROUP APPLICATION" at the beginning of the subject line of the e-mail. Before sending your application, please consult all the relevant documents at the bottom of this website.