Portugal to join EU cross-border autonomous vehicle testing network

LISBON, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Portugal will sign a joint declaration of intent to join the European Union's cross-border testing network for autonomous vehicles next week, state secretary for mobility Cristina Pinto Dias announced Tuesday.

"Next week I will sign the joint declaration of intent on the creation of an EU cross-border test area for the deployment of automated vehicles," Pinto Dias said, adding that Portugal needs "a very integrated, competitive and above all sustainable ecosystem."

The declaration will be signed during the Connecting Europe Days 2026 alongside Slovakia and Norway, bringing the total number of signatories to 21. Eighteen EU member states had already joined the initiative in June.

The network aims to create a large European testing zone spanning roads and cities across multiple countries, where autonomous vehicles can operate across borders without having to complete separate authorization processes in each member state.

Participating countries commit to adopting common technical requirements for automated vehicles and systems, coordinated type-approval and authorization processes, and shared rules for the circulation and provision of services using autonomous vehicles.

Pinto Dias noted that Portugal's domestic legislation permitting autonomous vehicle tests on public roads entered into force earlier this year, and said the regulatory framework is now in place to attract investment and provide stability for companies, investors and consumers.

The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) confirmed it has already received multiple requests for preliminary meetings from companies seeking clarification on the legal regime for licensing tests of automatic driving systems, describing the interest as evidence of strong sector demand for the new framework.