EU judges try to figure out what Uber is

Luxembourg

FIFTEEN judges at the European Union's (EU) top court are trying to decide, once and for all, whether Uber Technologies Inc is an app or a transport company. The question has long vexed regulators and lawmakers across the region.

Defeat for Uber, which sees itself as an app, would expose the company to stricter licensing rules, additional operative costs and the risk of a reduced availability of drivers. The case has been closely watched as it could set the rules of the road for others with similar business models.