EU backs sharing economy in boost for Uber and Airbnb

European commission warns against cracking down on businesses that help ordinary people offer services to the public

The European commission has thrown its weight behind the so-called sharing economy typified by firms such as Uber and Airbnb, saying countries should only ban them as a last resort.

The growth of the sharing economy - defined as businesses that help ordinary people offer services to the public - has caused tension in several European countries over claims that existing industries are being damaged.