About: postal liberalisation Archives

The European institutions are currently hammering out the details of a Directive, which, if approved by EU states and the European Parliament, should lead to the complete liberalisation of postal services in Europe. German MEP Markus Ferber (EPP-ED), who is in charge of steering the proposal through Parliament, tells EURACTIV what he expects from the new rules, before the vote in plenary on 5 June 2007.

Click here to read a shortened version of the interview.

In a lively debate on 11 December 2006, EU ministers held their first formal discussion on the Commission’s controversial proposal to subject postal markets to unrestricted competition by 2009.

On 18 October 2006, the Commission adopted a plan for opening up postal markets to unrestricted competition by 2009. The question now is not ‘when?’, but ‘how?’.

The Commission has announced plans to apply VAT to all national supplies of postal services, including stamps.

During its meeting on 15 October the Council reached political agreement on further postal liberalisation. The Council did not take any decision on full liberalisation because of tensions between pro-liberalisation Member States and others who are trying to go more slowly.

The Belgian EU Presidency seeks to reopen the debate on postal liberalisation in the EU. It will present its proposal during the Transport and Telecommunications Council on 15-16 October.

In view of the upcoming Telecoms Council on 15-16 October, the Platform for Postal Reform calls on the Member States to adopt a clear date for liberalisation.

Telecom Ministers fail to reach political agreement on proposed Directive to open up postal services market to competition

MEPs turn down proposal on postal liberalisation, opting for a more gradual opening of the EU postal market.

The European Commission has started an antitrust investigation into Germany's Deutsche Post.