The European Parliament (EP) has adopted the new Postal Directive, representing the political consensus on the full accomplishment of the internal market of postal services and the final step in the lengthy process of reforming the sector.
The Directive, which was adopted on 31 January, sets out that the market be fully opened up by 31 December 2010 at the latest, while allowing for the possibility that certain Member States of the European Union (EU) may extend this deadline for a maximum further two years until 31 December 2012. This provision gives those countries that are behind in the liberalisation process more time to develop this process.
The approved text maintains the key points of the initial proposal from the European Commission (EC), in particular the abolition of the reserved area, the scope and criteria of the universal service, the strengthening of consumer rights, the promotion of the role of national regulatory authorities and the safeguarding and financing of the universal service.
The EC will provide the necessary support to Member States with their implementation of the directive and will continue to take an active role in controlling the development of the market, in order to ensure that quality of service meets the expectations of all stakeholders.
Further information:
- Postal services liberalisation: MEPs back market opening by 2011 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/056-20130-030-01-05-909-20080130IPR20129-30-01-2008-2008-true/default_en.htm
- Postal services: Commission welcomes the adoption of the EU Postal Directive. Market Opening brings clear benefits for postal users http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/163&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Postal services - Council adopts common position https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=545596
- Postal services - EC Communication https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=539281
- European Parliament propose postal liberalisation in 2011 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=501958
- Liberalisation of EU postal services https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=490404
- Postal services https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=333953
