14 DAY TRIAL // Uber may want to be seen as a "digital enabler" so it doesn't have to comply with the same rules as taxi companies, but an adviser to the European Union's top court is of the opinion that, since Uber provides a transport service, it must be licensed to do so.
This, of course, is just an opinion at this point in time, but it may very well lead to EU-wide regulations which would turn Uber into a transport service. This would make it a subject to local licensing regulations, something Uber has been adamant about avoiding in recent years.
"The Uber electronic platform, whilst innovative, falls within the field of transport: Uber can thus be required to obtain the necessary licenses and authorizations under national law," came the statement of Advocate General Maciej Szpunar from the Court of Justice of the European Union. While such opinions are non-binding, the court's judges often follow them.
One case to set the path for Uber
The case that is currently on the judges' table was brought forth by an association of taxi drivers in Barcelona who believe that Uber engaged in unfair competition with its services, especially since it uses unlicensed drivers.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous protests across Europe where taxi unions expressed their discontent with Uber and its practices. On the other hand, users have mostly felt that the competition was more than welcome and, in fact, much needed.
Uber believes that a ruling such as this would undermine the "much-needed reform of outdated laws which prevent millions of Europeans from accessing a reliable ride at the tap of a button."
Uber has been present in Europe for the past five years, and the challenges have not stopped coming ever since.