Uber has reportedly paused plans to expand into five new European markets, including Austria, Norway, and Greece, despite announcing earlier this year that it would launch operations in seven additional countries across the region in 2026.
According to the Financial Times, Uber said its recent launches in Finland and Denmark had been highly successful and that it would now focus on strengthening operations in existing markets before pursuing further expansion.
The decision also comes as Uber continues efforts to acquire European delivery company Delivery Hero, whose €10 billion takeover offer was rejected in May. Industry sources believe delaying expansion could help ease potential antitrust concerns, particularly because Delivery Hero operates delivery services in several of the markets Uber had planned to enter.
While Uber has not abandoned its broader European growth ambitions, the pause signals a more cautious expansion strategy as the company balances market growth with its acquisition plans and increasing regulatory scrutiny.