Central European drone defense legislation

Central European nations are addressing legislative gaps regarding drone threats to critical infrastructure. In the Czech Republic and Poland, authorities have noted that current laws often restrict drone neutralization to police, military, or special services, leaving airport and infrastructure managers with limited power to respond to unauthorized flights.

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of the Interior has proposed amendments to allow intervention based on unauthorized presence in restricted zones, such as power plants and medical facilities, rather than requiring proof of an immediate threat to life or property. However, the Czech Telecommunication Office has raised concerns that granting interception rights could lead to signal jamming that might “paralyze mobile networks, emergency response systems, airport technologies, and energy grids.”

While infrastructure managers seek more authority to ensure faster responses, other agencies, including the Security Information Service and the Ministry of Defense, are advocating for intelligence officers to have the right to damage or destroy drones when facilities or persons are under immediate threat. Meanwhile, strategic sites like the ORLEN Unipetrol refinery continue to report frequent security breaches by recreational pilots.