May 6(Reuters)-although Tesla CEO Elon Musk is optimistic that the European Union will soon approve its“Fully autonomous driving”(FSD) system, recently disclosed emails show that, regulators in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway have significant concerns about the safety of the technology.
Tesla’s“Regulated” version of the FSD was approved by the Dutch Road Transport Authority (RDW) in April and the Netherlands is pushing for eu-wide certification, with key committee hearings scheduled for this week. However, the regulator’s emails revealed concerns about the system’s tendency to exceed the speed limit, questions about safety on icy roads and the possibility that drivers could bypass features designed to prevent the use of mobile phones.
In addition, regulators have been critical of Tesla for publicly encouraging car owners to pressure regulators to approve the FSD. Swedish transport authority investigator Hans Nottingham said in an e-mail that Tesla was“Quite surprised” that FSD was allowed to exceed the speed limit and that it should not be allowed. Finnish transportation official Yucca Euphora questioned the safety of the system for hands-free driving on icy roads at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
The European Commission will now hear arguments from Dutch officials about the reasons for approving the FSD. Approval across the EU requires a vote by council members representing 55 per cent of member states and 65 per cent of the EU’s population, but there is no plan for a vote this week and the next meeting is expected in July or October.
According to foreign media reports, Tesla said FSD approval in Europe is essential to boost local sales. Tesla’s sales in Europe fell 27 per cent in 2025 amid protests over Musk’s political activities. Tesla, in a confidential presentation, expects to receive eu-wide FSD certification in the second or third quarter of this year. (Qing Yun)