Uber’s New Roadblock: The EU Court Just Handed Out the License Playbook
What’s the Buzz?
The big wigs at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) have handed Uber a friendly yet stern reminder: you’re a transport company, not just a tech‑y rideshare app, and you must carry the proper licence.
Why Did the Court Say “No”?
- Uber’s app is just the middleman between drivers and passengers.
- Barcelona’s taxi cabbies felt they were playing with fire because Uber’s drivers are running the business without official authorisation.
- Even though Uber’s model is labelled “innovative,” it still falls in the realm of transportation — not just data delivery.
What This Means for Uber
If the ruling rolls out across Europe (and it’s likely to, given how the CJEU has historically respected earlier decisions), Uber will have to step into the same regulatory shoes as traditional taxis:
- Get the necessary licences in every country it operates.
- Accept the strict safety and service standards that come with a legitimate transport business.
- Potentially face fines or suspensions if it refuses to comply.
How the Decision Was Made
Maciej Szpunar, the Court’s advocate general, reached this conclusion after a taxi drivers’ association from Barcelona filed the case. He noted that while Uber does a lot of clever stuff in the tech space, its core operation is “carrying passengers,” which squarely falls under the transport category.
What Happens Next?
Admittedly, the CJEU ruling is not a binding order yet, but the court has a track record of following through on such decisions. So, buckle up if you’re an Uber driver (or driver-friend); the licence hunt is about to begin.
