For a hobby pilot, 2026 did not change the flying rules in Romania: Government Decision (HG) 859/2021 has stayed as it was since 2022, and EU Regulation 2019/947 has not received an amendment in force. What did change are the AACR fees, new ROMATSA zones, and an EASA proposal for stricter identification rules, which is not law yet.

We checked everything at the source on 15 October 2026. Each point says whether it is in force or only proposed.

Key information

  • In force: new AACR fees for drones — €23 to register as an operator, €6 for the online exam (Order no. 602/2026 of the Minister of Transport, of 23 June 2026). AACR is the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority.
  • In force: new UAS geographical zones on the ROMATSA map, valid from 30 April 2026.
  • Guidance, not a new rule: EASA added the new SORA 2.5 risk assessment method to its official guidance, for the specific category.
  • Only proposed: EASA wants Remote ID from 100 g (250 g today) and operator identity checks at registration.
  • Unchanged: HG 859/2021, last amended by HG 837/2022.

In force: new AACR fees

Order no. 602/2026 of the Minister of Transport, published in the Official Gazette on 23 June 2026, introduced a separate chapter of fees for drones. The most relevant for hobby pilots:

  • online registration as a UAS operator: €23;
  • the A1/A3, A2 or standard-scenario online exam: €6 each;
  • authorisation of operations in the specific category: €187.

Fees are in euros and exclude VAT. The full table is in the guide How much it costs to fly a drone legally.

In force: new ROMATSA zones

The ROMATSA page with the UAS geographical zones is valid from 30 April 2026 and lists two new zones, RZ1076 and RZ0177, plus changes to the control zones (CTR) of Brașov, Baia Mare and Bucharest-Otopeni made in 2024–2025. Drone Log imports the ROMATSA zones automatically; you can see them on the UAS map.

EASA guidance: SORA 2.5 for the specific category

On 30 June 2026, EASA published the June 2026 revision of the consolidated drone rules (the "Easy Access Rules"). It includes Decision 2025/018/R of 29 September 2025, that is SORA 2.5, the new version of the method an operator uses to assess risk in the specific category.

The change is in the guidance material (AMC and GM), not in the text of the regulation. If you only fly in the open category, it does not affect you.

Only proposed: Remote ID from 100 g

On 18 September 2026, EASA published Opinion No 06/2026, with proposed amendments to Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, in response to the European Commission's drone security action plan of 11 February 2026. Among other things, it proposes:

  • identity checks on operators before registration;
  • a lower threshold for mandatory registration;
  • direct Remote ID from 100 g, instead of 250 g;
  • national conditions for setting UAS geographical zones;
  • lighter rules for model aircraft clubs.

An EASA opinion is not law. It only becomes binding if and when the European Commission adopts the amended regulations, and the opinion sets no application dates yet. Until then, today's rules apply.

What did not change

  • HG 859/2021, which governs flights in Romanian airspace, including the MoND clearance and fines, has not been amended since 2022.
  • The MoND clearance for filming and photography is still requested through AEROFOTO and is still free.
  • The categories and classes in the EU regulation (A1, A2, A3, C0–C4) are the same.

Sources

  • Order of the Minister of Transport no. 602/2026, annex, chapter 11¹, Official Gazette no. 513 bis of 23 June 2026. legislatie.just.ro
  • Government Decision (HG) no. 859/2021, consolidated version. legislatie.just.ro
  • ROMATSA — UAS geographical zones, valid from 30 April 2026. flightplan.romatsa.ro
  • EASA — June 2026 revision of the Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. easa.europa.eu
  • EASA — Opinion No 06/2026 (security). easa.europa.eu

All sources were checked on 15 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Did the drone flying rules in Romania change in 2026?

Not for flying: HG 859/2021 and EU Regulation 2019/947 are unchanged. The AACR fees changed and new zones appeared on the ROMATSA map.

Is Remote ID required from 100 g in 2026?

Not yet. The 100 g threshold is an EASA proposal from September 2026, with no application date. Today the threshold is 250 g, and direct Remote ID is carried by drones in the classes that require it (C1 and up); the details per class are in the guide on classes C0–C4.

How much does operator registration cost now?

€23 excluding VAT, under the AACR fee schedule amended in June 2026.

Where can I see the new zones?

On the official ROMATSA map and on the Drone Log UAS map, which imports the ROMATSA zones automatically.

To move from theory to practice, check if you can fly or use the airspace checker. If the zone requires it, generate the approval request.