Since Eurocities’ 2018 position on automated vehicles, the policy landscape has evolved significantly. While early expectations of rapid, large-scale autonomous deployment have proven overly optimistic, cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM) is now advancing through gradual, use-case-driven implementation under stronger public oversight.
As commercial applications such as automated on-demand services and robotaxis begin to emerge in European urban areas, the central policy question is no longer whether automation will arrive, but how it can be integrated in ways that serve public goals.
This policy paper, launched by Eurocities, presents a clear message: automation must strengthen, not undermine, sustainable urban mobility systems. It should complement public transport, support decarbonisation, improve accessibility, enhance safety, and contribute to better use of public space.
Cities across Europe have gained valuable experience through EU and national pilot projects testing automated vehicles (AVs). Cities have learned that local regulatory frameworks, including sandbox environments, are essential to test services safely while informing national policy. Robust data governance and digital infrastructure are critical for traffic management, operational monitoring, and cybersecurity, while transparent communication, stakeholder engagement and visible public benefits help build societal trust and acceptance.
Importantly, these experiences highlight that cities must be recognised as equal partners in the CCAM ecosystem and that embedding automation within Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) ensures alignment with broader climate, social, and digital objectives.
The next EU budget cycle (2028–2034) and future research and innovation frameworks offer a critical opportunity to scale automation responsibly. The choices made now will determine whether automation strengthens Europe’s cities and public transport networks or fragments them.
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