Europe is entering a new phase in the development of autonomous transport. From Madrid and Munich to Zurich and Zagreb, several cities are preparing to introduce vehicles capable of operating with little or no human intervention.

Recent regulatory approvals and pilot projects suggest that self-driving technology is gradually moving beyond experimental facilities and onto public roads.

Although fully autonomous transport is not yet widely available, developments in 2026 indicate growing confidence in its potential to improve mobility, logistics and road safety.

Madrid Prepares For Autonomous Taxis

Spain is among the European countries expanding trials of driverless passenger services. Authorities in the Madrid region have authorised Uber, WeRide and AVOMO to begin mapping and testing routes for autonomous vehicles. The first passenger journeys are expected by the end of 2026, subject to successful testing and operational requirements. AVOMO, part of the Spanish Moove Cars Group, is developing autonomous mobility services in Europe and the United States.

The Madrid initiative could eventually provide residents and visitors with an additional transport option, although commercial availability and pricing have not yet been confirmed.

Munich Moves Towards Robotaxis

Germany is also becoming an important market for autonomous transport. Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Alphabet, has announced plans to establish its first European Union operations in Munich by 2027.

The company already has experience operating autonomous passenger services in the United States. Its proposed expansion into Germany represents another step towards introducing driverless taxi technology to European cities. However, operating in different countries requires vehicles to adapt to local road conditions, regulations and traffic patterns.

Airport Shuttles Enter A New Era

Autonomous technology is also being tested in airport transport. At Zurich Airport, WeRide has received permission to develop driverless shuttle services connecting terminal areas with aircraft parked at remote stands. Such vehicles could eventually help airports transport passengers more efficiently across restricted operational areas. Croatia is exploring a different approach.

Technology companies Pony.ai and Verne have announced autonomous test drives between Zagreb Airport and the capital's business district. Verne, which originated from Croatian electric vehicle manufacturer Rimac, is working on autonomous mobility technology with international partners. These trials could support future passenger services, although wider deployment remains dependent on successful testing.

Driverless Lorries Reach German Roads

Autonomous vehicles are not limited to passenger transport. In September 2026, Swedish technology company Einride announced regulatory approval for a project involving electric driverless lorries in Germany. Working with supermarket chain Lidl, Einride plans to use the vehicles to transport goods between warehouses and retail locations.

The project received approval from Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority for Level 4 autonomous operation. This classification allows a vehicle to drive without continuous human control under specified operating conditions. The pilot aims to explore whether autonomous deliveries can improve logistics efficiency and reduce the impact of driver shortages.

What About Road Safety?

Supporters believe autonomous vehicles could reduce accidents caused by human error, including distraction and fatigue. However, their safety benefits depend on reliable sensors, software, infrastructure and appropriate operating conditions.

Self-driving systems must respond to unpredictable situations involving pedestrians, cyclists, roadworks and other vehicles.

Regulators therefore require extensive testing before allowing wider deployment. It is also important to distinguish fully autonomous vehicles from driver-assistance systems, which still require a human driver to supervise their operation.

What Comes Next For Europe?

The expansion of autonomous transport could transform urban travel and commercial deliveries over the coming years. Nevertheless, many announced projects remain limited trials rather than fully established services. Questions involving safety, insurance, liability and public acceptance still need careful consideration.

Europe's latest developments suggest that driverless mobility is progressing steadily, with several countries taking practical steps towards a future in which autonomous vehicles become a more familiar sight on public roads.