Automation in road transport is a key enabler of Europe’s green and digital transition, advancing safer, more efficient, and sustainable mobility while reinforcing industrial competitiveness. The European Automotive Action Plan and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy underscore EU’s commitment to take a leading role in smart mobility, with Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) playing a central role. Through initiatives like the European Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Alliance (ECAVA) or Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), Europe is strengthening industrial sovereignty, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and ensuring that the European industry remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Recent years have seen significant progress, with automated solutions – such as highway driving systems, urban shuttles, and advanced logistics – emerging at scale. The upcoming UN Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (ADS), set to enter into force in November 2026, will further accelerate deployment by enabling type-approval for SAE Level 4 vehicles.
Yet, challenges remain. To ensure a seamless transition to CCAM, Europe must scale up large-scale demonstrations and testbeds, address regulatory hurdles, and align solutions with societal needs. Research still has a strategic role in enabling the transition towards automated mobility and, as such, the CCAM Partnership, under Horizon Europe, has been and still is instrumental in advancing research and innovation. 2027 now marks a decisive year – the conclusion of the current EU R&I programme – making it a critical moment to assess achievements and shape the future of European mobility research.
EUCAD 2027 will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to take stock of progress, address deployment challenges, and define the next steps for Europe’s smart, sustainable, and competitive mobility ecosystem. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference will help ensure that Europe remains a global leader in connected and automated driving.
Objectives
- Showcase the impact of the CCAM Partnership through key Horizon Europe projects, highlighting advances in research, innovation, and deployment;
- Take stock of the latest policy, research, and regulatory developments, both at European and national level, demonstrating how R&I addresses key challenges and supports European leadership in automated mobility solutions;
- Provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, debate technological and policy advancements, and identify shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration;
- Promote the uptake of European R&I results to accelerate the market deployment of CCAM solutions, supporting sustainable and scalable mobility systems;
- Gather actionable recommendations from all EUCAD sessions to provide valuable insights and guidance for researchers, industry stakeholders, and Member States to advance CCAM technology, regulation, and infrastructure development.