25. The secretariat presented the programme of work with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work. Top priorities for the work of the World Forum in the field of automated vehicles pave the way for a regulatory framework supporting the introduction of these emerging technologies towards future autonomous vehicles and in electro-mobility to address the challenges of limited fossil fuel resources, environmental protection and climate change. The priorities would include further development in the implementation of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Agreements, the main horizontal activities and the main topics addressed by the subsidiary bodies of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/1). WP.29 reflected on ways to best allocate resources to efficiently address its priorities. WP.29 invited delegations to prepare positions to make decisions on this allocation for the short and medium term at its 175th session. The delegations of the China, EU, USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Korea discussed the pros and cons of the different options for the most appropriate working structure of GRs. The representative of the European Union expressed its preference for the option of keeping 6 GRs which was considered in AC.2 (para. 22). The representative of the United States of America requested more information regarding the responsibilities and tasks of each GR under the respective options (see para 23). The representative of Germany suggested that a good solution would be to pursue the topic under GRRF as an interim solution (see para. 22) under the condition that there will be a dedicated (possibly additional) GR for automated/autonomous vehicles in the medium or long term. The Chair concluded by urging delegations to consider the restructuring and prioritization in good time for the next session and to submit their views to the UK delegate for consolidation for preparing a proposal for decision to be discussed at the June 2018 WP.29 session.

26. WP.29 adopted the programme of work for 2018 based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/1.