What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has called for a concerted effort by the European Union to develop self-driving vehicles. Speaking at the Italian Tech Week in Turin, she emphasized the importance of adopting an 'AI first' strategy to bolster the EU's automotive sector amidst growing competition from the United States and China. Von der Leyen highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and connect remote areas to public transport. She proposed the creation of a network of European cities to pilot autonomous vehicles, with 60 Italian mayors already expressing interest.
Why It's Important?
The push for self-driving technology in Europe is significant as it aims to revitalize the continent's automotive industry, which faces stiff competition from global players. By focusing on AI and autonomous vehicles, the EU could maintain its industrial relevance and safeguard jobs. The initiative also aligns with broader goals of reducing emissions and improving urban mobility. However, the success of this initiative depends on regulatory harmonization across member states and the ability to compete with established technologies from the U.S. and China.
What's Next?
The European Commission plans to develop a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, starting with the approval of vehicles with automated parking systems by 2025. Further use cases, such as hub-to-hub freight transport, are expected by 2026. The Commission will also propose harmonized procedures for testing automated driving systems on public roads, aiming to facilitate widespread adoption across the EU.
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