Waymo has announced plans to bring its robotaxi service to Munich, marking its first foray into the European Union, with commercial operations targeted for the end of 2027. The move forms part of a broader European push by the Alphabet-owned company, which follows swiftly on the heels of its planned launch in London and signals growing confidence in autonomous vehicle technology gaining regulatory acceptance across the continent.

In the coming weeks, Waymo will begin deploying vehicles in Munich, Germany's third-largest city, to map local streets and conduct testing with safety drivers still at the wheel. The company says it is liaising with local, state and federal officials to secure the necessary permits for fully driverless rides by next year. Germany joins a growing list of European markets where Waymo has set up subsidiaries this summer, including France, Spain, the Netherlands and, more recently, Switzerland, while London remains on track for public rides as soon as next month.