| Author (Person) | Nielsen, Nikolaj |
|---|---|
| Series Title | EUObserver |
| Series Details | 12.06.14 |
| Publication Date | 12/06/2014 |
| Content Type | News |
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European Commissioner for Digital Affairs Neelie Kroes criticised taxi drivers who are protesting against new smartphone apps on the 11 June 2014. Tens of thousands of taxi drivers had taken part in strikes and blockades in capitals across Europe on the 10 June 2014 in protest against the competition they face from taxi service app Uber. Euro|Topics and other sources reported that the ridesharing service Uber announced on the 2 September 2014 that it would continue operating in Germany despite a nationwide ban. In a lawsuit filed by representatives of the taxi sector, a court prohibited the company from using an app to connect customers with drivers of private vehicles. The right step against an overly aggressive company, some commentators wrote approvingly. Others saw the ruling as proof of over-regulation in Germany's service sector. BBC News reported in September 2014 that a court in Frankfurt had ruled that the firm lacked the necessary legal permits to operate under German law. Therefore, the service could no longer take passengers and faced a fine if it continued. However, another judge overturned the decision a few days later. A judge in Madrid on the 9 December 2014 ordered the taxi app company Uber to immediately stop all operations in Spain. News sources reported on the 31 December 2014 that Uber had announced the end of operations in Spain. Uber announced on 17 February 2015 it had filed a second complaint to the European Commission against a French law that the company says favours regular taxis at its expense. Other complaints followed in April 2015 against Spain and Germany. |
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| Source Link | http://euobserver.com/economic/124570 |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Germany, Spain |
