EUROCONTROL is hosting a two-day event on 23–24 October 2025 at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, highlighting the achievements of three SESAR U-space Digital Sky Demonstrator projects: U-ELCOME, BURDI, and EALU-AER. Co-funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the Connecting Europe Facility Transport programme, these projects represent significant progress in implementing U-space, the innovative air traffic management framework for low-altitude drone operations across Europe.

As drone technology continues to expand across multiple sectors, from medical deliveries to infrastructure inspections, the need for safe, efficient, and secure integration of unmanned aircraft into European airspace becomes increasingly critical. This event marks a pivotal moment in demonstrating the practical implementation of U-space services across diverse European operational environments. Through presentations and knowledge exchange sessions, participants will explore real-world operational experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned from deployments spanning Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland. 

The three featured projects have achieved significant milestones in advancing U-space implementation. U-ELCOME demonstrated real-life U-space services across multiple countries in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, deploying multiple U-space service providers in single locations to showcase interoperability. BURDI developed and implemented a U-space concept in complex urban and cross-border environments around the Port of Antwerp, focusing on interoperability, safety, and public benefit whilst supporting diverse drone operations. ÉALÚ-AER established Ireland's first Digital Sky Demonstrator in Shannon, successfully integrating drones with traditional air traffic control and testing beyond visual line of sight operations.

Event Details

• Location: EUROCONTROL Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
• Dates: 23–24 October 2025
• Registration: SESAR event website

Source: SESAR Joint Undertaking - Supporting Drone Strategy 2.0