The European Aviation Safety Agency is now responsible for establishing the standards for pilot licensing in the EU. EASA consulted on draft implementing rules on pilot licensing in 2008. The Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority have responded to this consultation. The draft implementing rules were largely based on existing standards and are not intended to alter the quality of pilot licensing. The United Kingdom is represented on the EU committee which will agree the final rules.
The national aviation authorities of member states will continue to be responsible for issuing pilots' licences. They will be subject to standardisation audits by EASA to ensure that implementing rules are correctly applied.