Uber Eats is planning a return to the Romanian market later this year, following a nearly four-year absence. The food delivery service initially launched in Romania in 2018 before withdrawing in 2020, citing a need to concentrate on more profitable markets. This re-entry is part of a broader expansion strategy for Uber Eats, which aims to launch in seven new markets throughout 2026, building on what the company describes as its strongest year of growth in Europe to date in 2025.
The move signals a renewed confidence in the Romanian market and reflects Uber Eats’ ambition to become a leading food delivery platform across Europe. Currently, the app facilitates deliveries from over one million restaurants and merchants in more than 10,000 cities worldwide. The company believes Romania presents significant opportunities to connect local businesses with a wider customer base and provide a convenient delivery option for consumers.
“We are remarkably pleased to expand into Romania and see enormous potential here to make everyday life easier,” stated Courtney Tims, Regional General Manager for Western and Southern Europe at Uber Eats. “With our launch, people in Romania will have a new, convenient way to shop from their favorite local businesses at the tap of a button – fast and reliable, as they expect from Uber. At the same time, we provide local merchants with a platform to reach more customers than ever before and continue growing their business in the digital economy.”
Uber Eats’ platform is designed to benefit both consumers and merchants. For businesses, ranging from small family-owned restaurants to larger retail chains, the service offers access to Uber’s extensive user base and established delivery network. The platform also provides tools for data analytics and marketing support, aiming to help merchants optimize their operations and improve service quality. The app will be localized for the Romanian market, offering language support and integration with commonly used payment methods.
Previous Exit and Market Conditions
Uber Eats’ initial withdrawal from Romania in 2020 came as the company refocused its resources on key markets. At the time, a Reddit post from May 17, 2020, highlighted concerns from delivery workers regarding the abrupt announcement and the removal of incentives in the final weeks of operation [Reddit]. The company reportedly gave employees only a month’s notice before shutting down operations. A report from Romania Insider confirmed the closure in early June 2020 [Romania Insider]. The market landscape has evolved since then, with competing delivery services establishing a stronger presence.
Expansion Plans and European Growth
The return to Romania is part of Uber Eats’ largest year of expansion to date. The company is launching in seven new markets in 2026, signaling a significant investment in its international growth strategy. This expansion follows a period of strong growth in Europe during 2025, indicating increased demand for food delivery services across the continent. In 2024, Uber Eats generated $13.7 billion in revenue [Wikipedia].
Uber Eats, launched in August 2014 as a subsidiary of Uber [Wikipedia], now competes with major players in the food delivery industry, including DoorDash, Grubhub, Deliveroo, and Just Eat Takeaway.com [Wikipedia]. The company’s acquisition of Postmates in December 2020 for $2.65 billion further strengthened its position in the U.S. Market, although Postmates continues to operate as a separate brand [Wikipedia].
Looking ahead, the success of Uber Eats’ re-entry into Romania will likely depend on its ability to adapt to local consumer preferences, build strong relationships with merchants, and navigate the competitive landscape. The company’s focus on providing a convenient and reliable delivery service, coupled with its data-driven approach to optimizing operations, positions it for potential success in the Romanian market.
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