Authorisation of self-driving vehicles in the European Union

Question for written answer E-004001/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Barbara Bonte (PfE)

Self-driving vehicles are perceived worldwide as an important innovation with potentially significant benefits in terms of road safety, efficiency and mobility. However, while countries such as the United States and Japan are already experimenting extensively with commercial applications, self-driving vehicles remain largely prohibited or very restricted in the European Union.

• 1.Why is the European Union lagging behind with regard to the authorisation and regulation of self-driving vehicles?
• 2.What legal or technical obstacles are currently preventing these vehicles from driving freely in the EU?
• 3.When does the Commission expect to be able to propose a European framework that will enable the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles without unnecessarily slowing down innovation?

Submitted: 13.10.2025