The addendum was signed in The Hague by EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet and EUROCONTROL Director General Raúl Medina. The memorandum builds on the successful collaboration between the two institutions since the original MoC was concluded in 2021. The newly adopted addendum formalises a broader range of joint activities, focusing not only on air traffic safety but also on key topics such as climate protection, digitalisation, and the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Building on a Successful Partnership
The cooperation between EASA and EUROCONTROL has a long history, combining EASA’s regulatory approach with EUROCONTROL’s operational data and technical expertise. Key instruments of this collaboration include the Joint Work Programme and the Technical Cooperation Office (TeCO), which facilitate a more agile implementation of specific projects in Air Traffic Management (ATM).
Expanded Areas of Cooperation
The memorandum was previously expanded in 2024 to include several additional key areas:
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Professional training and staff development,
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Cybersecurity of aviation systems,
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Research and innovation in Air Traffic Management,
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Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS).
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These additions were a logical response to emerging technological challenges and the need for a unified approach across European airspace.
New Priorities: The Environment and Unmanned Systems
The June 2025 addendum defines two key areas for future development:
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Sustainable aviation and environmental protection – coordination on reducing emissions, promoting green technologies, and implementing low-emission flight paths.
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Civil-military cooperation and the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – creating compatible operational standards for the deployment of drones and military systems in civil airspace.
European Legislation Responds to Climate Challenges
EASA and EUROCONTROL are actively supporting the objectives of the revised European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which has set stricter limits for aviation emissions within the European Economic Area (EEA) since 2023. In parallel, they are engaged in the global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which has been offsetting emissions from international aviation since 2019.
A Step Forward or Mere Formalities?
On paper, this is a significant step forward. Deeper coordination between EASA and EUROCONTROL has the potential to streamline the European aviation system, improve its environmental performance, and support the safe introduction of new technologies. However, critics warn that without concrete results, this collaboration risks becoming just another layer of European administration. The key to success will be the genuine integration of regulatory and operational levels—and delivering measurable results in practice.
Sources: EASA, EUROCONTROL
