Brussels leaves car sharing regulation in the hands of the States
After the controversy generated in Spain and other EU countries by the so-called collaborative car consumption, the European Commission has made it clear that this activity must be regulated by each of the national authorities. In our country, cab drivers are still on the warpath because of the Uber app.
“It is not something that is on the Commission's horizon. It is not something we are considering nor part of our reaction to the protests”, said the spokesman responsible for Digital Agenda, Ryan Heath, to add that “in the current political climate”we do not think the European Commissionón should say it wants to accumulate new powers in this way”.
The Brussels position has also been expressed by the Commission's vice president and head of telecommunications, Neelie Kroes, for whom “the fact is that digital technology is changing many aspects of our lives. We cannot address these challenges by ignoring them, striking out or trying to ban these innovations”.
Against these considerations, the cab employers' association in Spain intends to call another new strike on July 1 in Madrid and nationwide if the Ministry of Public Works does not take strong measures against Uber and similar applications that put users in contact to share cars for urban travel, an activity that cab drivers consider unfair competition.
After remarking that last Wednesday's strike was a success, the Federación Profesional del Taxi y UGT-Uniatramc have warned that a nationwide and indefinite strike could be called to ““encircle Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia” if the Administration does not take action.