EU moves to shake up ride-hailing regulations
The European Commission is set to reassess how ride-hailing services operate across the EU, opening the door to possible efforts to streamline national regulations that currently vary widely from country to country.
The review, expected to take place this year, forms part of the Commission’s broader Single Market Strategy. Officials say the goal is to evaluate whether the fragmented legal framework governing app-based transport services can be better aligned at EU level.
At present, companies such as Uber, Bolt, Cabify and Heetch operate under a patchwork of national and local rules. These regulations differ on licensing requirements, minimum waiting times, vehicle specifications and parking restrictions.
The regulatory divergence has long fuelled tensions between traditional taxi operators and ride-hailing drivers, particularly in major European capitals where disputes over market access and competition have periodically escalated into protests and legal battles.
Toward greater harmonisation?
Transport policy remains a shared competence between the EU and its member states, which complicates attempts to introduce uniform legislation. Nonetheless, Commission officials have indicated that there is political appetite to explore possible avenues for coordination.
Speaking at the launch of the Shared Mobility Europe coalition — an alliance of mobility platforms, industry representatives and driver groups — a senior official from the cabinet of Tourism Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the inclusion of ride-sharing in the Single Market Strategy signals the beginning of a broader policy discussion.
According to the official, the Commission intends to examine what actions might be feasible within existing legal constraints, though no immediate legislative proposal is expected.
Industry representatives argue that regulatory disparities hinder cross-border expansion and create uncertainty for drivers and platforms alike. In Italy, for example, ride-hailing drivers are required to wait 20 minutes after accepting a booking before picking up passengers. In some Spanish regions, vehicles must meet minimum length requirements, while licensing caps in certain countries further restrict market entry.
Back in 2022, the Commission issued guidance recognising the contribution of transport-on-demand services to urban mobility and emissions reduction. However, sector advocates contend that non-binding recommendations have done little to resolve structural challenges.
Driver organisations are now calling for clearer and potentially binding EU-level standards to ensure fair competition and regulatory consistency.
Despite these demands, Commission officials have cautioned against expecting sweeping reform. Questions surrounding the subsidiarity principle remain sensitive, and member states are likely to guard their authority over local transport systems.
For now, the upcoming review marks the first step in what could become a broader debate over how digital mobility services are governed across the European Union.
