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At the same time, the decision to introduce stricter rules on drones was postponed indefinitely. The Council of States voted 20 to 18, with four abstentions, in favor of less strict model flight rules than the EU.
Model pilots have probably never had so much political weight in parliament. And with her resounding vote, Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga almost managed to make the Council of States change its mind and thus renounce a test of strength with the EU or put the National Council back into play.
In addition to drones, the EU also wants to regulate model aircraft more closely. In September, however, the National Council decided to exempt traditional flight models from the hardening of the EU standard for the operation of unmanned aircraft and to leave it under national law.
According to the Federal Council, the new EU rules are essential to continue to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft. It was feared that the EU could also take countermeasures if its law was not adopted. “They are forcing the Federal Council to negotiate things that have been decided for a long time in Brussels,” said Sommaruga, visibly angry at the Council of States. In addition, Switzerland itself worked on EU regulation.
With this selection, Switzerland is blocking the way to continue playing an international leadership role in a central and innovative economic sector. Access to the drone and robotics industry is very important for Switzerland. You risk losing technological leadership in this area.
In addition, it is somewhat indifferent to ignore the security needs expressed by municipalities in relation to the operation of unmanned drones, said Sommaruga. The corresponding setting is also currently in place.
Ultimately, however, the position that Commission Chairman Hans Wicki (FDP / NW) had previously outlined on behalf of the Commission majority prevailed. The Federal Council wanted to adopt the EU rules in their entirety and prematurely, although it was not understandable that this would gain security. In addition, the administrative effort for flight models will be increased and in fact a mandatory association will be introduced.
After the National Council accepted the motion in September, the federal government postponed the introduction of the stricter EU rules planned for early 2021. The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (Bazl) wanted to wait and see what the Council of States with the request. Now the Federal Council has to find a solution with Brussels.
Around 15,000 people practice flight models in Switzerland. Accidents involving damage or even injury to the detriment of others are extremely rare.
