Source: European Parliament
1. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA’s) research project on diabetes mellitus includes an evaluation of fitness requirements for air traffic controllers and pilots with diabetes. T he project will conclude on 12-14 November 2025. The results will not be included in the ARA.MED.330 Medical Assessment Protocol but could instead be the subject of dedicated rulemaking to ensure a uniform level of safety and a harmonised approach.
2. A rulemaking task is expected to update the relevant medical fitness requirements, which will become mandatory for all Member States. EASA will ensure the uniform application of these new requirements through the standardisation process in accordance with Regulation (EU) 628/2013[1].
3. Based on the research results, the anticipated regulatory update is expected to allow more individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes to become or continue working. Additionally, the study includes an impact assessment to evaluate the practical implications of implementing its recommendations. This assessment will be further refined as part of the upcoming rulemaking task, ensuring that any regulatory changes not only uphold safety standards but also support fair and equitable treatment of diabetic pilots and air traffic controllers across the EU. The Commission supports Member States in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCD) under the Healthier Together EU NCD initiative[2]. Member States are sharing knowledge and best practices on the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes[3], including Type 1 diabetes, with funding of EUR 53 million from the EU4Health programme[4]. This includes awareness raising activities for healthcare providers and citizens.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32013R0628
- [2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en
- [3] https://jacardi.eu/
- [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en