Hungary does U-turn, says not seeking to drive out Uber app

BUDAPEST, Hungary – In an apparent policy U-turn, Hungary says it’s not aiming to drive Uber from the country. Instead, the government wants to ensure that the ride-sharing app sticks to rules ensuring fair competition for all taxi companies.

Ministry of National Development state secretary Janos Fonagy and other officials met Tuesday with representatives from Uber for the first time in months.

Fonagy praised the company’s “exceptionally modern” innovations, which he said have been mostly adopted by other taxi firms but said all companies had to obey the rules.

Hungary’s parliament is debating legislation increasing penalties for unlicensed drivers and banning apps like Uber.

Uber said it hopes Hungary will wait for upcoming guidelines from the European Union on “collaborative economy platforms” like Uber and Airbnb, which facilitates short-term rentals, before deciding.