With robotaxi deployment moving steadily towards commercial reality, bringing the taxi sector into sharp focus across global mobility markets, IRU presented the EU’s automation framework at an international taxi summit in Vienna.
IRU presented the EU’s regulatory framework for automated driving at the third edition of MEET-THE-CAB 2026.
Organised by IRU member Taxi 40100, the meeting brought together robotaxi developers, taxi operators and policymakers from Europe, the United States and Asia to assess how autonomous services can integrate into EU urban mobility systems.
Discussions reflected a tangible acceleration in commercial deployment plans, with several operators indicating near-term expansion plans into European cities. The shift from testing to early rollout signals that regulatory clarity and operational readiness are becoming decisive factors.
The EU regulatory framework for automated driving is built on harmonised technical requirements to ensure scalability across the bloc, structured partnerships with public authorities and the national industry, and alignment with broader societal objectives, including safety, congestion management and the use of public space.
Concrete examples are already emerging within this framework. Automated shuttles operated by MOIA in Hamburg (a technology company that develops on-demand ridepooling services) and the expansion of Pony (autonomous driving technology company) into Luxembourg illustrate how deployment is advancing within defined regulatory and operational parameters.
IRU Taxi Group members from the Netherlands, France, Austria and Australia shared national perspectives on market adaptation and regulatory balance. A representative from the New York taxi sector outlined how robotaxis should operate alongside traditional services, underlining the importance of clear rules and a level playing field.
IRU remains actively engaged in EU policy discussions on automated driving, working to ensure that innovation progresses within a harmonised framework that safeguards safety, ensures fair competition, and reflects the operational realities of taxi services.
