EU chief pushes for self-driving car network to rival US and China

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a continent-wide push to develop self-driving cars during Italian Tech Week in Turin, positioning artificial intelligence as a key solution for reviving Europe’s struggling automotive sector. Her “AI first” strategy aims to help European automakers catch up with competitors in the United States and China while improving road safety and preserving millions of jobs across the region.

What she’s proposing: Von der Leyen outlined an ambitious plan to establish Europe as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology through coordinated action across member states.

• She proposed creating a network of European cities to pilot autonomous vehicles, noting that 60 Italian mayors have already expressed interest in participating.
• The EU chief pledged bloc support for developing vehicles “made in Europe, and made for European streets.”

Why this matters: European automakers are falling behind international competitors in developing autonomous driving technology, particularly against advances from China and the United States.

• The automotive industry employs millions across Europe and is undergoing rapid transformation due to pressure to decarbonize and digitize operations.
• Von der Leyen emphasized that AI development must prioritize safety, stating that “AI first” also means “safety first.”

The competitive challenge: Brussels is actively seeking ways to bolster industrial competitiveness as local manufacturers struggle to keep pace with foreign technology development.

• “Self-driving cars are already a reality in the United States and China. The same should be true here in Europe,” von der Leyen said during her speech at Turin, Italy’s automotive hub.

Broader benefits: Von der Leyen highlighted how AI-driven automotive technology could address multiple societal challenges beyond just industry competitiveness.

• AI integration could help reduce traffic congestion and connect remote areas to public transportation networks.
• The technology could preserve existing jobs while creating new opportunities in the evolving automotive landscape.

What she’s saying: Von der Leyen framed autonomous vehicles as essential for Europe’s automotive future and economic sovereignty.

• “The future of cars – and the cars of the future – must be made in Europe,” she declared.
• “Let us make it happen,” she added when discussing the proposed network of pilot cities.

Who else was there: The Italian Tech Week event featured other prominent speakers from the automotive and technology sectors.

• Amazon founder Jeff Bezos participated in the conference alongside Turin-based Ferrari and Stellantis Chairman John Elkann.