Uber pauses five of seven planned European market launches

Uber has paused plans to enter five of seven new European markets this year. The Financial Times reported the decision on July 5, 2026. Country launches placed on hold include Austria, Norway, and Greece. Uber told the Financial Times that recent entries in Finland and Denmark had been a "huge success," so the company wants to "focus on continuing the momentum" in existing markets.

Acquisition talks cited as factor Uber is still seeking to acquire Delivery Hero after the European company rejected a 10 billion euro takeover bid in May. An industry source said pausing further expansion could reduce antitrust concerns around the potential deal. Delivery Hero operates delivery services in several of the countries Uber had targeted for new launches.