The European Union (EU) has implemented a new regulation that looks to introduce competency-based training, assessment and virtual training of air traffic controllers.
The Regulation (No 2025/2143) has now been adopted by the European Commission, with its introduction set to complete the package stemming from a regulatory proposal found int he EASA Opinion 06-2024 developed under Subtasks 3 and 4 of RMT.0668.
An amendment of Regulation (EU) 2015/340; it sets out a number of technical requirements and administrative procedures relating to air traffic controllers’ licenses and certificates, introducing the further harmonisation of the initial training output for ATCOs to handle complex and dense traffic situations using the principles of competency-based training and assessment (CBTA).
It also provides an enhancement of the existing regulatory framework for instructors and assessors by setting required performance standards equally on a CBTA basis, as well as enablers for the utilisation of virtual training, harmonising the use of distance learning and of new digital instruction means.
Overall, the regulatory initiative enables flexible use of the available ATCO resources and allow for better management of air traffic capacity across Europe whilst maintaining safety standards.
All Member States have been given a deadline of 01 January 2029 to update training and methodology, with the EASA facilitating the transition by continuing to complete the regulatory package with the publication of the associated AMC/GM scheduled for Q1/2026. It will also update the Easy Access Publications as soon as feasible.
