By: C. R.
The American ride and delivery platform Uber is expected to start operating in Slovenia on May 20th, according to an announcement made today by the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia, which is preparing a special event for that day. According to explanations from the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Energy, Uber will operate as a call platform in the greater Ljubljana area.
“The arrival of this leading global company in on-demand transport and mobility solutions in Slovenia represents an important step towards improving transportation options and promoting innovation in the region. We are pleased to help Uber celebrate this milestone and share their vision of sustainable and accessible mobility in Slovenia,” the invitation to the event, hosted by the U.S. chargé d’affaires Melania Arreaga, stated.
In April, Uber confirmed to the online portal Žurnal24 that they are considering entering the Slovenian market and are currently assessing the situation. “We assure that if we enter the Slovenian market, we will operate fully in accordance with local legislation, as is the case in all countries where our app already operates,” they said. The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy also confirmed in April that the company intends to enter the Slovenian market within the framework of existing legal regulations.
The ministry told STA today that Uber representatives explained at a meeting on April 14th that they plan to operate in the greater Ljubljana area as a call platform connecting users with transport providers, similar to how other taxi companies operate. No legislative changes are planned due to the arrival of this new market player, and the ministry also stated that it is not involved in the processes related to Uber’s market entry. “The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy cannot influence the entry of individual companies into the Slovenian market if they operate within the existing legislation,” they added, noting that Uber’s activities after entering the market can be monitored by the competent inspectorate.
Currently, the use of a taximeter is mandatory for taxi transport in Slovenia. Digital applications like Uber’s, used worldwide, are not legally regulated as a possible method for paying for taxi services.
Years ago, the Janez Janša government prepared an amendment to the Road Transport Act that would have allowed Uber’s entry into the Slovenian market. However, the changes were repealed with the law on reducing inequalities and harmful political interventions and ensuring respect for the rule of law after the government changed. Now Uber is coming to “Golob’s” Slovenia.
Taxi drivers are not enthusiastic about Uber’s renewed arrival, according to reports by Žurnal24 and Forbes Slovenia. As one taxi driver who attended a meeting with Uber representatives said in April to Žurnal24, the company tells each driver different working conditions. When the amendment was being adopted in 2021, taxi drivers from Ljubljana and other places stopped their vehicles on Šubičeva Street and other streets around the National Assembly building in Ljubljana as a protest, among other things, against coronavirus rules and Uber’s arrival. Dejan Jefim was especially vocal.
Since Uber is arriving under a left-wing government, protests will apparently be much less frequent. The March 8th Institute is also silent…
