Sharing economy is here to stay

Deirdre Clune MEP (Ireland South), a member of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, has rejected calls to regulate operations like Airbnb and Uber out of existence. Speaking as the European Commission prepares to publish guidelines regarding how EU Member States should regulate the collaborative or sharing economy, MEP Clune said that Irish authorities must realise that the sharing economy is here to stay.

“While there are challenges presented by the sharing economy, we cannot react by ignoring it, or by trying to ban these innovations and technologies out of existence.

"Consumers like Apps and online platforms like Airbnb and Uber - this is evident by the millions who have already downloaded the Apps. We cannot stop progress nor can we turn back the clock on technology. We are at the beginning of a new wave of digital sharing platforms that will revolutionise how we live in Ireland – but will present challenges for regulators," MEP Clune said.

"Some MEPs in the European Parliament, and indeed some politicians in Ireland, believe in applying strict new regulations for Apps like Airbnb and Uber. I would argue that the internal market mechanisms are already in place and designed to allow these companies to operate freely within the common market. These companies create jobs and generate business. They give the consumer more choice and are good for competition.

"Our role as legislators is to set clear minimum standards for health and safety for those involved in the sharing economy so that we can create a level playing pitch for both the sharing economy and traditional economies and this is something we will do."

The sharing economy in Europe is estimated to be worth €10 billion and forecasted to grow to €250 billion over the next decade.

In some countries, like Spain, the authorities and the courts have moved to expel Uber. The Spanish authorities have gone as far as forcing the Spanish telecom companies to block the App on people's phones. Portugal, encouraged by the transport unions, is moving in a similar direction.

"This is against the spirit of the common market and will deter investment and business into Europe," MEP Clune added.