Gig economy booms as European food delivery platforms lure 68% of new couriers with flexibility

The gig economy’s appetite for flexible work is surging across Europe, with food delivery platforms offering couriers unprecedented autonomy and earning potential. On Wednesday, 24 June 2026, a wave of new guides and platform launches is making it easier than ever to tap into this booming sector, from signing up to maximising earnings. Industry analysts report that platforms are now tailoring their offerings to meet demand for adaptable income streams, particularly in urban centres where traditional employment models struggle to keep pace.

A comprehensive guide published today by *Regal Tribune* highlights the most lucrative delivery apps for flexible work, ranking platforms by payout speed, rider support, and regional availability. The report underscores how apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Glovo have expanded their operations in 2026, with some markets seeing delivery windows shrink to as little as 15 minutes. “The barriers to entry have never been lower,” said a spokesperson for Glovo, which now operates in 23 European countries. “Couriers can start earning within hours of signing up, with no fixed hours or dress code.”

Meanwhile, a separate *Regal Tribune* investigation details the sign-up process for food delivery apps in Europe, noting that platforms such as Lieferando in Germany and Stuart in France have streamlined onboarding to just three steps. The article cites data showing that 68% of new couriers in Q1 2026 cited flexibility as their primary motivation, up from 54% in 2025. “We’re seeing students, retirees, and even white-collar professionals using delivery work to supplement their incomes,” said an industry analyst. “The model is no longer niche—it’s mainstream.”

For those considering a shift to delivery riding, *Regal Tribune*’s latest feature provides a step-by-step roadmap, from equipment requirements to tax obligations. The guide warns that while earnings can reach €1,200 monthly in high-demand cities like Paris or Berlin, platform fees and insurance costs vary widely. “Couriers need to treat this like a business,” advised a Berlin-based rider with three years’ experience. “Track your expenses, choose your peak hours, and don’t ignore the fine print.”

The trend coincides with political debates over labour mobility in the EU. A report in *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung* today questions whether German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent pledges to simplify cross-border worker mobility are translating into action. “The rhetoric is loud, but the reality is that employers still face a labyrinth of regulations,” said a labour law expert. “For gig workers, this means navigating different tax regimes and social security systems—a significant hurdle.”

In consumer news, Greek food delivery platform efood is capitalising on the trend with a sushi promotion offering 1+1 deals in Athens and Thessaloniki. The campaign, launched today, reflects how platforms are leveraging partnerships with restaurants to attract both couriers and customers. “We’re seeing a symbiotic relationship between supply and demand,” said an efood executive. “More couriers mean faster deliveries, which in turn drives more orders.”