Uberpop: the Uber taxi service is taken to court in Brussels

The Brussels Council Chamber has recently referred the Uber taxi service to the Service Correctional Tribunal for its former Uberpop service.

This service allowed non-professional drivers to work in the capital using their personal vehicle between February 2014 and October 2015. The story was reported by De Tijd and L’Echo.

The Brussels Mobility Minister Pascal Smet (sp.a) submitted a penal complaint at the end of 2014. The Prosecutor’s office drew up a final requisition that sided with Uber due to lack of proof. However the Council Chamber found enough evidence to say UberPop went against Belgian legislation and sent the case to the correctional tribunal.

Uber wants to avoid a financial sanction, judicial confiscations and restrictions in Belgium. Because of this, they appealed to the Chamber of Accusations, who were encouraged to send the case to the Correctional Tribunal. Brussels Taxi drivers have protested against Uber several times, and the papers say they could add civil lawsuits to the penal case.

In a setback for Uber, the European Court of Justice ruled last week that “The service provided by Uber connecting individuals with non-professional drivers is covered by services in the field of transport.” The ruling implies that Uber would have to comply with national transport legislation.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

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