Uber’s struggle with regulatory barriers in Europe has received a boost after the European Commission gave the clearest indication yet that it is considering ways to regulate the taxi app at a European rather than national level.

Plans for an in-depth study into the European taxi market to “provide the necessary background for the commission to decide on the need for – and possible character of – any further action at EU level” emerged in a private letter from the commissioner for transport.

The commission, which has received complaints against France and Germany, said it supported the development of new and innovative mobility services. While services such as Uber should not circumvent national rules, member states have to respect the general principles of EU law such as proportionality, non-discrimination and freedom of establishment, the commission said.

Rocky ride

Uber has endured a rocky regulatory ride since launching in Europe in 2012, with its drivers facing fines or having their cars impounded.

While Uber is legal in some countries, such as the UK, in others it operates in a “grey” market, where its legality is unclear. In some cases, such as Spain, the taxi app is banned.

In Amsterdam, Uber’s European headquarters, authorities raided the taxi app’s office late last month, questioning staff for more than six hours.

– (Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2015)