POLIS and Eurocities Launch Joint Charter to Shape the Future of Automated Mobility in European Cities and Regions
As automated mobility moves from pilot projects towards large-scale deployment across Europe, POLIS and Eurocities have launched a Joint Charter on Automated Mobility in European Cities and Regions, calling for cities and regions to play a central role in determining how automated vehicles are introduced, governed and integrated into local transport systems.
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM). Across Europe, growing investment, increased industrial interest and the ambition to deploy automated mobility services at scale are accelerating discussions on the future role of automated vehicles. At the same time, stakeholders are increasingly recognising that technological readiness alone is not sufficient to ensure successful deployment.
The Charter emphasises that automated mobility should serve broader public policy objectives, including improved accessibility, stronger public transport systems, safer mobility, reduced congestion and more sustainable urban environments. Rather than viewing automation as an end in itself, the document argues that deployment decisions should be guided by the needs of citizens and local communities.
A central message of the Charter is that cities, regions and public transport authorities are uniquely positioned to manage the integration of automated mobility into existing transport networks. As the authorities responsible for public space, transport planning and service integration, they must be involved in shaping governance frameworks, infrastructure requirements, data policies and operational models for future automated mobility services.
Presented during the POLIS Leadership Summit in Zagreb, the Charter outlines a shared vision and ten guiding principles for the deployment of automated vehicles in urban and regional environments. It highlights the importance of governance, public transport integration, societal impacts, infrastructure readiness and appropriate regulatory frameworks to ensure that automation delivers tangible public value.
The Charter’s underlying principle is clear: automated mobility should adapt to the needs of cities and people, not the other way around. By promoting a common European approach, POLIS and Eurocities aim to support the development of automated mobility solutions that contribute to resilient, safe, sustainable and people-centred transport systems.
For the CCAM community, the Charter represents an important contribution to the ongoing discussion on the future deployment of automated mobility services and reinforces the need for strong collaboration between public authorities, industry, research organisations and citizens.
More information and the full Charter POLIS and Eurocities launch Joint Charter on Automated Mobility in European Cities and Regions – POLIS Network
