A judge in December ordered Uber's temporary suspension in Spain, saying it represents unfair competition. The Madrid commercial court judge said in a preliminary ruling that Uber drivers lacked proper permits to transport passengers in Spain. The suspension was sought by Madrid's Taxi Association. Days later, Uber shut down Spain operations temporarily. Last week, a Barcelona judge asked the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg for help in deciding whether Uber must comply with transport rules or if it should be regulated as an information services company. People use an app on their mobile phones to book Uber rides.