Rethinking Regulation for Serbia's Food Delivery Platforms

The rise of food delivery platforms in Serbia's e from the early days of Donesi to the latest players like Glovo and Wolt, reshaped how we order and enjoy our favourite meals. But with great growth comes great responsibility, and it's time for Serbia to take a fresh look at how it regulates this booming industry.

From Pandemic Boom to Market Duopoly

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a boost for food delivery platforms, catapulting them into the spotlight like never before. But as these platforms flourished, so did concerns about market dominance. Recent data shows that Glovo and Wolt command a four-fifths of Serbia's food delivery market, raising questions about competition and fairness.

The Regulatory Puzzle: Challenges and Solutions

While food delivery platforms thrive, Serbia's regulatory framework has struggled to keep pace. Platforms are often registered as IT consultancies or advertising agencies, thus making it difficult for policymakers to track trends or enforce regulations. Without clear data or distinctions, understanding the market becomes a guessing game.

Charting a New Course: Recommendations for Change

It's clear that Serbia needs a regulatory refresh to ensure fairness and transparency in the food delivery sector. Here are some of the recommendations the Public Policy Research Centre (CENTAR) and Zunjic Law:

• Enhanced Compliance: Empower regulatory bodies to scrutinize competition and enforce transparency, ensuring a level playing field for all players.
• Modernized Regulations: Update legislative frameworks to reflect the evolving digital landscape, distinguishing between platforms and other businesses to facilitate better oversight and policymaking.
• User Protections: Implement regulations that safeguard the rights of consumers, workers, and partner businesses, addressing concerns around exclusivity clauses and discriminatory practices.

Read the full proposal https://t.ly/teZrl