Belgium Moves to Fast-Track Tesla FSD Approval

Europe’s rollout of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) is accelerating. After the Netherlands became the first EU country to approve FSD for public roads last month, other member states are moving quickly. Sweden is expediting testing and reviewing the Dutch RDW’s decision, and Belgium is taking steps to move to the front.

Belgium Fast-Tracks the Approval Process

Annick De Ridder, the Flemish Minister of Mobility, signaled that Flanders is ready to proceed. She has asked Tesla to provide the data that the Dutch RDW relied on for its FSD approval so the Flemish administration can review it. Her aim is to ensure local regulations do not impede technical progress.

“Following the Tesla FSD test project in the Netherlands, I have asked Tesla to transfer their file to us. That is now with my administration, which I have instructed to provide clarity by the end of the week on a possible rapid homologation. Because you shouldn't slow down innovation, but make it possible in a thoughtful and safe way,” De Ridder said on X. This instruction to provide clarity by the end of the week indicates Belgium’s intent to fast-track approval.

The Dutch RDW Domino Effect

The urgency in Belgium reflects the influence the Dutch RDW holds over automotive policy across the EU. Tesla leadership, including AI chief Ashok Elluswamy, believes that approval in the Netherlands could create a domino effect that fast-tracks expansion across the region and even globally.

The RDW is sharing its findings with other EU countries, outlining the safety metrics and data behind its decision. Since Tesla started rolling out FSD (Supervised) to the first public testers in the Netherlands last month, neighboring governments have faced pressure to ensure their residents are not left behind. The European build of the software also includes exclusive UI changes and specialized behaviors tailored to the continent’s road rules.

Growing Pains Amidst Expansion

Progress has not been entirely smooth. In the Netherlands, Tesla is discontinuing one-time FSD purchases starting May 15, moving to a subscription-only model similar to North America.

Additionally, some Dutch owners of older Hardware 3 (HW3) vehicles are organizing global action against Tesla because FSD is not yet available for their cars, and the company recently confirmed that unsupervised self-driving will not be possible on them.

Tesla has promised a distilled version of the latest FSD build for these older vehicles later this summer, but many owners remain frustrated by the wait. If the Flemish administration delivers the "rapid homologation" De Ridder is seeking, Belgium could become the second cornerstone of Europe’s FSD rollout.