Latvian Minister Meets Tesla Representatives to Discuss Self-Driving Cars
Economics Minister Viktors Valainis met with Tesla representatives to discuss autonomous driving technology and regulatory improvements in Latvia.
On Wednesday, Economics Minister Viktors Valainis met with representatives of US technology and automotive company Tesla. The meeting included Šarūnas Kondratas, Tesla EMEA Vehicle Automation, Safety and Business Development Manager; Sofie Bennerstål Andersson, Northern European Public Policy Manager; and Ivana Komusanac, EU Policy and Business Development Manager.
The discussions focused on the development of automated driving technology and possible solutions for improving regulations for self-driving vehicles in Latvia. International experience, EU regulatory evolution, and prerequisites for safe introduction of modern mobility solutions were also addressed.
Tesla representatives explained that the Netherlands has already received provisional EU type approval for an SAE Level 2 system, which could be recognized in other EU member states. Meanwhile, EU-level discussions on Tesla's FSD (Supervised) system are ongoing, with no final decision yet. Lithuania, Estonia, and Denmark have announced recognition of such approval, while Sweden has expressed concerns about the system's results. Until the European Commission's decision, each member state can grant provisional approval.
After the meeting, the minister experienced a demonstration of Tesla's FSD (Supervised) system — a driver-monitored automated driving system that uses vehicle cameras and software to follow navigation routes, maintain speed and distance, change lanes, and respond to traffic lights and road signs. Tesla has tested the system in several European countries, including Latvia.
Valainis emphasized the need for a modern legal framework that fosters innovation while ensuring the highest traffic safety standards. Political discussions with relevant institutions are expected to begin soon.
