France opposes EU approval of Tesla's FSD driver assistance software for now
France's Position and EU Debate on Tesla's FSD Software
French Government's Concerns
AMSTERDAM, July 23 (Reuters) - France opposes the use of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver assistance software in its current form on roads in the European Union due to safety concerns, its transportation minister said.
The French stance on the FSD software is the first public rejection by an EU government of a Dutch-led initiative to approve the technology for use throughout Europe.
Safety Issues Highlighted
In a video statement released on Wednesday, Philippe Tabarot pointed to worries over speeding and driver inattention.
"In France, we believe that, while this system brings a number of technological advances, the safety tradeoffs are not yet sufficient to justify authorisation in its current form," he said.
Shared Concerns Among EU Members
Tabarot added that other European countries shared France's concerns regarding the software, though he did not name them.
Reuters reported in June that Sweden may also oppose approval.
Overview of Tesla's FSD and European Approvals
Tesla's FSD is a driver assistance system that can accelerate, brake, and steer a car, while its human driver remains ready to intervene.
The Netherlands' road authority RDW approved the technology for use on Dutch roads on a provisional basis in April, prompting Belgium, Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania to do the same in advance of a possible bloc-wide vote on the plan this fall.
The RDW could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.
Market Impact and Industry Response
FSD software is seen as a selling point and revenue-generator for Tesla, whose European registrations are gradually recovering following a slump last year.
Responding to Tabarot's remarks in a statement on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote that "delaying the approval of FSD in France will cost lives".
Ongoing Discussions and Next Steps
Tabarot said France is continuing technical discussions with the Netherlands and other EU countries over the technology.
(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Joe Bavier)
