Boost for Uber as Brussels considers regulation of ride sharing

Uber has received a boost in its struggle to overcome regulatory barriers after the European Commission gave the clearest indication yet that it is considering ways to regulate the ride-sharing service at a European rather than national level. Plans for an in-depth study into the European taxi market to “provide the necessary background for the commission to decide on the need for -- and possible character of -- any further action at EU level” emerged in a private letter from the commissioner for transport.

The commission, which received complaints from Uber after some of its services were banned in France and Germany, said it supported the development of new and innovative mobility services. While services such as Uber should not circumvent national rules, member states have to respect the general principles of EU law such as proportionality, non-discrimination and freedom of establishment, the commission said.