EU countries back cross-border tests for autonomous trucks

The declaration was signed on 8 June in Luxembourg alongside a meeting of the EU Transport Council. It was endorsed by the transport ministers of 18 member states together with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU commissioner responsible for sustainable transport and tourism.

A coordinated approach to automated transport in Europe

The initiative forms part of the European Action Plan for the Automotive Industry and is intended to support a more coordinated rollout of autonomous vehicles across the European Union.

A central element is the creation of cross-border test zones for different automated transport use cases — including freight transport and logistics as well as public transport. Participating countries plan to work on common approaches to vehicle type-approval, permitting processes and the practical steps required to deploy new solutions.

The declaration also highlights the objective of enabling faster deployment — including in cross-border operations — while maintaining consistent safety standards.

From fragmented systems towards a more unified market

Signatories say they will apply a shared set of technical requirements based on existing EU rules on vehicle type-approval and the safety of automated driving systems.

The document calls for closer cooperation between national type-approval authorities, including information sharing on testing, and steps towards mutual recognition of approvals and vehicle authorisations. The aim is to make it easier to move autonomous vehicles into commercial operation, including vehicles operating without a safety driver.

At the same time, the declaration underlines that each member state retains the right to decide, under national rules, whether such vehicles can operate on public roads.

Freight and logistics in scope

According to the declaration, progress in autonomous transport should be driven by real-world applications that reflect market demand. Freight transport and logistics are highlighted alongside passenger transport.

Countries are expected to work with local authorities, transport operators and businesses to develop solutions that can be implemented across different parts of Europe. The document also points to the role of digital infrastructure and intelligent transport systems in enabling autonomous vehicles to operate effectively.

Support for EU-based technologies

The declaration includes provisions aimed at strengthening Europe’s automotive and technology industries.

Signatories state that, where feasible and economically justified, preference should be given to vehicles, systems, components and solutions developed and manufactured in the European Union. The stated objective is to support the competitiveness of Europe’s autonomous mobility sector and provide predictable demand for EU-based suppliers.

The document also allows for participation by companies from outside the EU, provided they enter strategic partnerships with businesses that have a significant presence in the EU market.

€20m for digital infrastructure

Initial funding is expected through the Connecting Europe programme in 2026, which has set aside €20m for digital infrastructure designed to support autonomous driving.

The funding is intended to support large-scale testing capabilities and help prepare for commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles in road transport.

Poland among the signatories

The declaration was signed by Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden.

The document is a statement of cooperation and does not create obligations under international law. Its purpose is to set shared principles intended to ease the transition from testing to commercial use of autonomous vehicles on European roads — with a particular focus on freight transport and logistics, and broader operational risk management for cross-border deployments.