Automated driving will significantly shape the mobility of the future Austria supports European initiative for cross-border pilot areas and automated vehicles – Mobility Minister emphasises importance for location and future
At yesterday's meeting of the Council for Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE), more than ten EU member states, including Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, signed a joint declaration of intent on the further development of autonomous driving in Europe. The aim of the initiative is to establish cross-border pilot areas for automated vehicles and to create the conditions for their harmonised deployment across Europe.
Europe creates common grounds for autonomous driving
The declaration represents a milestone on the path to a connected and future-oriented mobility. It provides a framework for closer cooperation among the member states in harmonising approval and licensing procedures, cooperation of technical systems, as well as the coordinated introduction of automated vehicles in public transport, logistics and freight transport.
Automated driving is one of the central focuses of the Mobility Ministry. The European initiative strengthens the competitiveness of Europe as an economic and innovation location while simultaneously making a significant contribution to increasing traffic safety.
”Automated driving will significantly shape the mobility of the future. With today's declaration, we are sending a strong European signal for innovation, competitiveness and safe mobility. Especially for cross-border applications, common standards and a coordinated approach are needed. Austria is actively participating in this process and shaping the future of mobility in Europe,„ emphasises Mobility Minister Peter Hanke.
From testing to wide application
As part of the initiative, two work streams will now be started: On the one hand, common principles and minimum criteria for access to the pilot areas are to be developed. On the other hand, the practical implementation of automated mobility solutions – such as planning, financing, procurement and integration into existing transport systems – will be coordinated between member states, regions and cities.
Additional momentum is being set by the European Commission with a planned funding of 20 million euros for digital infrastructure in the area of autonomous driving within the framework of the Connecting Europe Facility 2026.
Summit in autumn for a joint path
Another highlight follows in the autumn: Mobility Minister Hanke invites to a summit of all key players from the economy, research and society, to align common roadmaps for further development, including the legal framework. Thus, efforts will be best bundled and further steps determined.