Brussels, 18/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - Uber has launched another complaint against France at the European Commission.
The US start-up has developed a transport service app for drivers and is contesting the new French law on controls of driver transport vehicles (Thévenoud Law). Other complaints may follow, given that Uber is being pursued in other major European cities.
Following an initial complaint at the end of 2014 (see EUROPE 12220), Uber has again introduced another complaint against France on the grounds that its legislation was not notified to the European Commission and breaches the fundamental principles of European law. The European Commission has confirmed that it is currently examining these two complaints. It also affirms that national laws at a technical level to ensure a quality service are not in themselves incompatible with the treaty, as long as they respect the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination on the basis of nationality and the freedom of establishment. Uber might soon introduce new complaints against Spain and Germany, where its services have been banned.
The start-up is putting the European Commission under pressure to provide it with a clear position in its regard. The meeting between the Uber CEO, Travis Kalanick, with two European Commissioners at the beginning of the year, proved inconclusive (see EUROPE 11237). MEPs have also urged the European Commission to clarify its position regarding this emerging service (see EUROPE 11252). The Commission will provide them with an answer by the end of the month. On the other hand, the Commission has several weeks before it has to respond to Uber's complaints. (Marie-Pauline Desset)