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Belgium: EC vice president Kroes ‘outraged’ over Uber ban

By  |  April 17, 2014

The European Commission’s vice president Neelie Kroes is condemning Belgium’s ban of the ride-sharing service uberPOP, owned by Uber, slamming the court order as one aimed a protecting a “taxi cartel” to the harm of consumer interests.

”Slamming the door in Uber’s face doesn’t solve anything,” Kroes said regarding the issue. Belgium has banned uberPOP, which only began services in the nation months ago, on the grounds drivers for the serve do not need a taxi license.

The ban follows backlash from Belgium taxi drivers over Uber on claims the phone app undermines competition. Taxi companies recently filed a lawsuit against Uber.

”It sends a bad anti-tech message about Brussels, which is already in the 4G dark ages,” Kroes said about the uberPOP ban. Uber similarly disagreed with Belgium’s decision.

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