European policy makers and European automakers have reached an agreement to work together on deploying connected and self-driving vehicles across the region.
All the parties have endorsed the 'Declaration of Amsterdam' during Informal Transport Council organised by the Dutch EU Presidency.
The declaration represents an agreement to work towards a coherent European framework for the deployment of interoperable connected and automated driving, which should be available, if possible, by 2019.
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) secretary general Erik Jonnaert said: "Connected and automated driving is an important part of our response to future mobility challenges, in terms of balancing the growing demand for transport and mobility with environmental protection and increased safety.
"But even though this revolution is shaping our industry at a rapid pace, there are many challenges on the road ahead."
To surmount the challenges faced in implementing the connected and automated technologies, it is important to adapt traffic rules, raise the standards of digital infrastructure, and set clear rules about liability.
Besides, the successful adoption of new transport technologies involves securing people's personal data, increasing funding for research and innovation, and promoting operational testing.
"Our industry welcomes the Declaration of Amsterdam as an important milestone that promotes much-needed cooperation between automobile manufacturers, national governments and the EU institutions," Jonnaert added.
By endorsing the declaration, all the parties also agree to work towards the removal of barriers and to promote legal consistency in potentially life-saving transport technologies.
The parties also recognize the importance of develop and maintain close cooperation with other regions, particularly the US and Japan, to work towards a global framework and international standards for connected and automated vehicles.
The Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen, said: "Today for the first time, we have talked at the European political level about self-driving vehicles and the measures required for their smooth introduction in Europe.
"We want to pick up the pace because there are many gains to be made for mobility. Connected and automated vehicles will make our roads safer, more sustainable and more efficient."
