Uber has paused plans to expand into five European markets, only months after outlining an ambitious strategy to launch its services in seven new countries during 2026, according to a recent report by the Financial Times.

The company had announced in February that it would enter seven additional European markets as part of its wider growth strategy. However, launches in Austria, Norway and Greece are now among those that have been put on hold, with five of the seven planned expansions reportedly delayed.

Uber appeared to confirm the change in direction, telling the Financial Times that it intends to concentrate on markets where it has recently launched. The company said its rollouts in Finland and Denmark had been a "huge success" and that it now wants to "focus on continuing the momentum" in those countries.

The decision also comes as Uber continues its efforts to acquire Delivery Hero, the parent company of Foodpanda. Delivery Hero rejected Uber's €10 billion takeover proposal in May, but reports suggest Uber remains interested in pursuing a deal.