Uber Eats Plots Major European Push, Targeting Seven New Markets in 2026

Uber is gearing up for its biggest European expansion in recent memory. The company confirmed plans to launch its Uber Eats service in seven new countries next year, setting the stage for a fierce battle with established rivals like DoorDash's Wolt and Deliveroo.

The new markets—Austria, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal—mark a significant widening of Uber's European ambitions. The company already operates food delivery in major economies like the UK, Germany, France, and Spain. According to sources familiar with the strategy, Uber will leverage its existing ride-hailing networks in many of these countries to launch delivery operations more efficiently.

This move directly challenges Wolt, the Helsinki-based delivery platform DoorDash bought in 2022. Wolt holds a dominant position in several of Uber's target countries, particularly in its Nordic home region. Uber's entry into Finland and Norway is seen as a deliberate attempt to compete in Wolt's strongest territories.

Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber's senior vice president of delivery, stated the company is expanding from a position of strength, citing recent market share gains and improved profitability in its core European operations.

The expansion is not without its hurdles. In the Czech Republic, Uber Eats is making a comeback after exiting the market in 2020. It will face entrenched competitors and loyal customers. Across Europe, evolving regulations on gig work, which must be implemented by member states in 2026, add another layer of complexity.

For European consumers, the influx of a deep-pocketed competitor like Uber could mean more choice and competitive pricing. For the continent's crowded delivery sector, it signals the start of a new, aggressive chapter.