# An Overview of Cooperative Driving in the European Union: Policies and Practices
## 2 The European Framework  
The European Commission (EC) is making significant efforts in the field of C-ITS services, based on V2X communication, in order to set up a reference framework for supporting Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) policies [2]. The matter is quite complex since there are several implications to be considered. Figure 1 outlines the EU framework for supporting C-ITS service development. First, C-ITS strategy aims to develop a common vision throughout the EU so as to combine the efforts of the different stakeholders involved. For this purpose, in early 2014 the EC set up the C-ITS Platform, conceived as a cooperative framework to develop a shared vision for the interoperable deployment of C-ITS in the EU. Later, in 2016, Member States and the Commission launched the C-Roads Platform to link and coordinate C-ITS deployment across the Union. Finally, on completion of the picture, there are some issues to be addressed to ensure legal certainty for the parties as well as cyber security and data privacy matters. Within the European initiative for the promotion of C-ITS, a key role is being played by the Car2 Car Communication Consortium (C2C-CC) [3] and the Amsterdam Group (AG) [4]. Figure 1: EU Cooperative-Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) framework. C2C-CC it was founded in 2002 by a group of carmakers and today comprises 88 members among carmakers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), first- and second-tier suppliers, technology suppliers, and research organisations. C2C-CC, in turn, is part of the Amsterdam Group (AG). In particular, AG is a strategic alliance formed in 2011 to support close cooperation among the stakeholders involved. Beyond C2C-CC, it comprises three other umbrella organisations: CEDR (European organisation for national road administrations), ASECAP (European association of toll road operators), and POLIS (European cities and regions network). More details about such consortia and the roadmaps they proposed for the development of cooperative driving can be found in [5]. However, it is worth pointing out that the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a similar evolution pattern, based on different levels of increasing automation (from Level 1 to Level 5), specifically developed for autonomous driving [6]. Clearly, both for cooperative and autonomous driving, the final goal is to achieve a fully automated condition. Yet, specific correspondence between the evolution phases in the two cases has not been established, and the position of the Commission on this matter has been expressed as follows: 'even though automated vehicles do not necessarily need to be connected and connected vehicles do not require automation, it is expected that, in the medium term, connectivity will be a major enabler for driverless vehicles' [7]. To complete the picture, it is worth citing the extensive consultation process undertaken by the Commission through several working groups called upon to analyse the current situation and provide useful recommendations for the future. An appropriate instance of this is the establishment of the High Level Group (HLG) Gear 2030 in 2015. The outcome of such a consultation process is presented in [8] and provides some valuable suggestions to address the main challenges and opportunities offered by cooperative driving in the runup to 2030 and beyond. Cooperative-Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) Services and Technologies Adopted in the European Commission (EC) Framework  
C-ITS deployment activities have also focused on technological and functional aspects of the matter, which essentially concern the definition of a number of so-called C-ITS services and a set of reliable communication technologies. A first macrocategory of cooperative tasks comprises _hazardous location notifications_ (HLNs), which are intrinsically safety-critical services. In particular, they are aimed at providing an early warning to drivers about dangerous conditions ahead.