The EU has introduced new rules on the recognition of Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) licences and certificates issued outside the Union. Regulation (EU) 2025/1044 will enter into force on 26 August 2025.
EU Member States may now recognise certain ATCO licences, credentials, and training certificates issued by third countries (non-EU).
To be eligible, applicants must:
- hold an ICAO-compliant licence, with ratings and endorsements corresponding to EU requirements;
- have completed training and assessment equivalent to those mandated under EU regulations.
Recognition will be limited to activities within EU-certified ATCO training organisations.
The impact will enable faster integration of qualified controllers into EU systems when needed.
What does this mean for Entry Point North?
We deliver updated materials, onsite and online, aligned with new regulations from the moment they take effect. This ensures that students remain fully prepared for industry developments and are well-prepared for the dynamic and ever-evolving industry they are entering.
As Entry Point North is an EU training organisation, this will create new opportunities by allowing us to utilise external instructors and assessors who meet ICAO and EU equivalency standards.
For us, this means new opportunities to attract and recruit third-country licence holders. We can now accept controllers trained and licensed outside the EU following this procedure, expand the pool of qualified professionals, and strengthen our training capacity.