PSCE was happy to support the 2nd 5G-Vertical User Workshop, which took place on 9-10 July in Rome, at the Initiative of 3GPP Market Representation Partners (MRPs).

On June 27, the EU Cybersecurity Act has finally entered into force. This legislative measure will revamp and strengthens the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). With the entry into force of the Cybersecurity Act, a new course is starting for ENISA, which will enjoy a permanent mandate, increased responsibilities and resources. First example of its kind, the European cybersecurity certification framework establishes the governance and rules for EU-wide certification of ICT products, processes and services.

The Commission will prepare the “Union rolling work programme for European Cybersecurity Certification”, which will identify strategic priorities for certification and in particular include a list of ICT products, services and processes or categories thereof that may benefit from being included in the scope of a European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme.

The Cybersecurity Act introduces for the first time EU-wide rules for cybersecurity certification. Companies in the EU will benefit from having to certify their products, processes and services only once and see their certificates recognised across the Union.
Under the framework, multiple schemes will be created for different categories of ICT products, processes and services. Each scheme will specify, among the others, the type or categories of ICT products, services and processes covered, the purpose, the security standards that shall be met and the evaluation methods.

On 11 June 2019, common European rules on drones - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 - have been published to ensure drone operations across Europe are safe and secure. The rules will amongst others help to protect the safety and the privacy of EU citizens while enabling the free circulation of drones and a level playing field within the European Union.

The rules will apply to all operators of drones – both professionals and those flying drones for leisure. Following the technical requirements for drones this is another key deliverable under the Commission's Aviation Strategy for Europe whose core objectives are to maintain the highest level of safety and to support the competitiveness of the EU's aviation industry.

“Europe will be the first region in the world to have a comprehensive set of rules ensuring safe, secure and sustainable operations of drones both, for commercial and leisure activities. Common rules will help foster investment, innovation and growth in this promising sector” said Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA.

Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said that “the EU will now have the most advanced rules worldwide. This will pave the way for safe, secure and green drone flights. It also provides the much needed clarity for the business sector and for drone innovators Europe-wide."

These rules, which will replace existing national rules in EU Member States, not only address safety but also contain important building blocks to mitigate drone related security risks. Through operators' registration, remote identification and definition of geographical zones, all national authorities will have means to prevent misuse or unlawful drone activities. As of 2020 drone operators will have to be registered with national authorities.

The E2mC consortium will hold its second Dedicated User Workshop at the university of Geneva, Switzerland on June 14th. It will gather a variety of stakeholders from different ecosystems (humanitarian/satellite mapping/emergency management). The programme will mainly focus on showing the progress and results achieved by the E2mC project at the end of its lifespan, but will also feature presentations from other actors in the fields of humanitarian response and volunteer engagement. Stay tuned!