Published: 2023-06-27
The Hungarian Drone Coalition (MDK) is taking a step forward in regulating the country's drone usage. The organization is planning to submit a drone strategy prioritizing defense and critical infrastructure protection to the National Assembly in the Autumn.
Leadership and Coalition Members
The coalition includes industry players, several Hungarian ministries, academia, and several advocacy bodies. The Chairman of MDK is László Palkovics, the Minister of Innovation and Technology and the founder of MDK in 2021.
The Strategy
The MDK's strategy will propose a protocol to protect critical infrastructure from drone attacks. Critical infrastructure refers to any vital system or asset that is crucial for societal well-being and includes facilities such as power plants, refineries, and drinking water supplies.
Regulatory Framework
The EU does not regulate the usage of drones, making it a country-by-country matter. Hungary aims to create an effective legal framework and use uniform legislation as established by the EU for drone operations.
International Collaboration
The MDK members have voted to organize an international drone conference in 2024. The goal of the conference is to facilitate worldwide information sharing and collaboration between industry players in Hungary's EU rotating presidency.
Questions & Answers
What is the Hungarian drone strategy? The Hungarian drone strategy regulates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and will be submitted to parliament in the autumn.
Who is leading the Hungarian Drone Coalition? The Hungarian Drone Coalition (MDK) is led by László Palkovics, the Minister of Innovation and Technology, who founded the organization in 2021.
What is the purpose of the Drone Coalition? The Drone Coalition aims to create a protocol to protect critical infrastructure in Hungary from drone attacks and make Hungary a model for the application of the EU’s uniform legislation by creating the right legal environment.
What is critical infrastructure in Hungary? Critical infrastructure includes assets or systems whose functioning is essential for the delivery of vital societal functions, health, security, and the economic and social well-being of people. Examples include the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, the MOL Danube Refinery, various health care facilities, and the supply and distribution of drinking water.
Is the use of drones regulated in Europe? No, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones is unregulated throughout Europe, and several privacy, personal rights, and data protection issues are raised.
What can be done in the event of a drone attack on critical infrastructure in Hungary? According to information provided to Index, the Drone Coalition would establish a protocol on what to do in the event of a drone attack on important strategic institutions.
When will Hungary hold an international drone conference? The members and founders of the organization voted to organize an international drone conference in 2024, during Hungary's rotating presidency of the EU. Industry players from around the world are expected to attend.
