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How Europe manages the sharing economy

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EUobserver's 2017 edition of its Business in Europe magazine takes a closer look at the the sharing economy.

They also argue that

They also argue that most of the available evidence relates to situations in the United States. “In the EU, the lack of evidence is more pronounced and there is not immediately dismissed by the European Commission, which sees self-regulation as a possible alternative to “unnecessary regulatory burdens”. It also noted that much of the debate is normative instead of fact-based, and that the phenomenon carries connotations with it “from anti-capitalist social narratives to ecological themes, libertarian thinking, and management rhetoric”. Several online platforms have argued that their technological solutions are so superior, that they can replace traditional regulations. In 2015, Antoine Aubert, director of public policy and EU strategy at Uber, argued in the European Parliament that some regulation can be replaced by Uber's own checks and user reviews. separation of powers, technological solutionism In its 2016 strategy paper, the EU executive said that “rating and reputational systems” common to the sharing economy can “potentially reduce the need for certain elements of regulation, provided reviews and ratings”. The paper said that Europe should embrace the new trend, because it offered “innovation, competitiveness and growth opportunities”. But it also warned member states to ensure fair working conditions and that consumers were protected. The paper was envisaged as a guidance to member states, but often said that a case-by-case approach was the best way forward. Hello! Making sense of the EU. Stay informed. Stay current. Subscribe to EUobserver. Special discount. SAVE 50% 150€ 75€ for 1 year! Discount code: EUOBS50 SHARING ECONOMY & EUROPE MAY 2017

SHARE YOU IN COURT! Regulatory systems were not ready for the sharing economy, and now the battle has moved from the streets to the halls of justice. By Dave Keating I n February, representatives from the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar were waiting apprehensively in a Spanish courtroom. The service, which has been called an "electronic hitchhiking app", allows drivers to bring guests along guilty of unfair competition because it is subject to the EU commerce directive rather than Spanish transport rules and, notably, is not a transportation service. It was only the latest in a series of rulings involving sharing economy companies. The company was sued by Confebus, the Spanish confederation for bus transport, for allegedly operating illegally as a transport service that could put coaches out of business. But the Spanish judge ruled that BlaBlaCar is not Dozens of court challenges are pending in Germany accommodation rental site Airbnb. Similarly, a case is pending at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on whether the ride-sharing app Uber is a taxi company or an information company. SHARING ECONOMY & EUROPE MAY 2017— 07

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