CoRAI Meeting 10-12-2025

On 10 December 2025, the second meeting of the Committee of the Regions' Automotive Intergroup (CoRAI) took place in Brussels. The meeting focused on issues relating to autonomous driving, with particular emphasis on three relevant aspects: prerequisites for technological leadership in Europe, opportunities and challenges, and dual use.

Europe in Global Competition: Falling Behind on Innovation

While Europe is still debating the end of combustion engines, others are conquering the market with cheaper electric cars and, in some cases, new technologies such as autonomous driving. Our competitors are thus succeeding in moving closer to their climate targets.

Europe must regain technological leadership in certain key industries such as the automotive industry. The chair of the Intergroup, former State Minister Thomas Schmidt (DE/EPP), explained that the EU must not simply follow developments but must once again drive them forward, particularly where there are realistic opportunities, such as in autonomous driving.

What conditions pave the way for technological leadership in autonomous driving?

• Vehicles that are truly autonomous, technically mature and economically viable.
• A comprehensive digital and physical infrastructure from the network to the charging station.
• A clear, uniform set of rules in Europe and improved access to capital.

Autonomous Driving as a Solution for Rural Mobility Challenges

There is a particular need for action in rural areas of Europe. The population is ageing, roads are becoming more difficult to navigate, and there is a shortage of bus drivers throughout the region. Autonomous driving can ensure that no one in rural areas is left isolated.

The keynote speakers from the automotive supplier networks, Dirk Vogel (AMZ Saxony) and Dr David Storer (CLEPA), called for value creation to be kept in Europe.

The discussion also made it clear that structural change in the automotive regions must be actively shaped. European automotive regions should remain strong industrial locations in the future.

Autonomous Driving as a Catalyst for Cross-Sector Innovatio

Investments in autonomous driving can generate a wave of innovation throughout the economy. Autonomous driving is not alone in this regard. In collaboration with other industries, new business areas are emerging – from drones and artificial intelligence to space technology.

Automotive regions such as south-west Saxony, which are actively exploiting this structural change, can become anchor investors for key European capabilities – from satellite reconnaissance and air defence to cyber systems. This will create a new, long-term industry.