Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy: Cost of damage from drones may be compensated from state funds

Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy: Cost of damage from drones may be compensated from state funds

The Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy has decided that eligible damages caused by a drone belonging to a foreign state may be compensated to private individuals and businesses on a case-by-case basis.

Compensation may be granted for personal injury and property damage resulting from a military drone belonging to a foreign state or from the handling of such a drone. The amount of compensation would be determined on a case-by-case basis and would only cover damages caused by drones under normal conditions.

The State does not currently compensate for damage caused by drones, as there is no existing legislation on compensation. Insurance policies do not compensate for damage caused by drones either.

"Individuals should not have to cover the cost of damage caused by drones. That is why we decided that, if necessary, the State will compensate for such damage on a case-by-case basis, even though this is not required by law. With this decision, we want to make sure that people do not have to worry about property damage caused by drones and can be compensated as quickly as possible," said Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen.

The compensation process and decisions related to compensation will be handled by the Ministry of Finance. The State Treasury, for its part, will investigate the damage caused by drones and determine the amount of compensation. The aim is for the injured party to be compensated for the damage as quickly as possible. For businesses and self-employed persons, the State's voluntary compensation will be in the form of state aid. In these situations, it may be necessary to have the compensation approved by the European Commission. However, the goal is to allow the process to move forward quickly.

Ministries to begin drafting legislation on compensation for drone-related damage

In addition, the Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy decided that the ministries would begin drawing up legislation on compensation for drone-related damage. They will also look into whether damages caused by other military equipment could be compensated from state funds on a case-by-case basis.

The act would be temporary, and its validity could be extended quickly if necessary.

Representatives from at least the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior will be involved in drafting the legislation. The State Treasury will also contribute its expertise.

Inquiries:
Janne Öberg, Head of Unit, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 2955 30473, janne.oberg(at)gov.fi