Uber’s European breakthrough

Article reported in April 2015 that in a small victory with large symbolism, Brussels could soon drive change in continental Europe by becoming the first city to embrace the ride-sharing service Uber.

However, reports in August 2015 the Brussels taxi union it would launch a strike against the Uber service on the 16 September 2015 if the government did not start arresting Uber drivers.

However, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that Uber would be healthy for competition.

In 2014 a Brussels court had ruled that the ride-sharing service was illegal.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: UBER: Innovation or déja vu? http://www.europeansources.info/record/uber-innovation-or-deja-vu/

ESO: Background information: EU commissioner lashes out at Europe-wide taxi protest http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-commissioner-lashes-out-at-europe-wide-taxi-protest/

Website: Uber https://www.uber.com/

Politico, 17.08.15: Brussels taxis strike back http://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-taxis-strike-back-uber-eu-brussels-court/

Politico, 20.08.15: Brussels taxis issue strike ultimatum on Uber http://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-taxis-issue-strike-ultimatum-on-uber/

ESO: Background information: France vows to stop UberPop amid protests http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-vows-to-stop-uberpop-amid-protests/

Uber Brussels https://www.uber.com/cities/brussels

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