Frontex and the Italian Coast Guard organise an ECGFF workshop on Advancing EU Maritime Drone Capabilities
Coast guard community comes together to drive innovation
Under the framework of the European Coast Guard Functions Forum, experts from across Europe gathered on 15 and 16 April 2026 at the headquarters of Frontex in Warsaw to explore how drones are transforming coast guard operations.
Bringing together representatives from EU Member States, agencies, institutions, and research bodies, the workshop provided a dynamic platform to share experiences, exchange ideas, and look ahead at the future of unmanned technologies in the maritime domain.
Drones are already making a difference
One message stood out from the discussions: drones are no longer a futuristic concept - they are already a part of everyday operations.
Across Europe, coast guard authorities are using unmanned systems to support maritime border surveillance, search and rescue operations, and maritime domain awareness.
At the same time, challenges remain. Differences in capabilities, interoperability issues, and regulatory constraints continue to shape how these technologies are used across EU Member States.
Turning policy into action
The workshop also highlighted that Europe already has a strong policy foundation in place. Initiatives such as the European Ocean Pact, European Union Maritime Security Strategy, and EU Drone Strategy 2.0 are paving the way for wider adoption of drone technologies.
The focus now is on turning these frameworks into concrete action - by strengthening cooperation, making use of available funding opportunities, and ensuring that systems can work together seamlessly across borders and domains.
Experts from EU bodies such as JRC, EU SatCen, and EUSPA showcased how innovation is already delivering practical solutions, emphasising the need for integrated, ‘layered’ approaches rather than one-size-fits-all answers.
Innovation in motion
The final sessions offered a glimpse into the future. Ongoing projects and national initiatives demonstrated how both EU Member States and Frontex are actively working to integrate drones into operational environments.
From testing new drone technologies to exploring their use on maritime assets, the discussions highlighted a shared European commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Building the future together
More than anything, the workshop showed the strength of cooperation across the European coast guard community.
By sharing experiences, identifying common challenges, and exploring practical solutions, participants contributed to shaping a more connected and forward-looking approach to maritime operations. As the use of drones continues to grow, collaboration within the European Coast Guard Functions Forum will remain key to ensuring that innovation translates into real impact - making Europe’s seas safer, more secure, and more resilient.
The workshop also highlighted the strong cooperation between the European Fisheries Control Agency, European Maritime Safety Agency, and Frontex under the Tripartite Working Arrangement. This partnership brings together expertise from across the EU to support coast guard authorities through shared services, operational coordination, and innovation. The video below showcases how this cooperation works in practice – demonstrating how joint efforts contribute to a more coordinated European response at sea.