The European Commission still sees 2009 as the target date for full postal liberalisation in theEU, Charlie McCreevy, European internal market commissioner and responsible for the postal market,
has stated. The EU executive is due to present detailed plans next year for the final stage ofpostal liberalisation.Addressing a top-level Deutsche Post World Net event in Brussels on November 23, thecommissioner stressed that the European Commission wanted sustainable and open postal markets withhigh quality postal services. McCreevy said he supported those countries that were moving faster tofull liberalisation than under the existing timetable of 2009. “I will certainly encourage thosestates to continue along this path, as this can only stimulate others,” he said.
Looking forward to next year’s proposals for full postal liberalisation, McCreevy said it wouldnot be easy to find the right regulatory balance given the social relevance and employment levelsof the postal sector. “There is no clear “one size fits all” formula yet in sight, either in Europeor elsewhere, for the postal sector,” he commented. But he stressed that the Commission had nointention to delay liberalisation.
“We have all invested a lot in this policy over the years; giving up half way – or even delayingit – is a price the EU economy cannot afford. Not moving ahead would put the achievements to dateat risk and miss the opportunities. I believe that, with all necessary safeguards, opening uppostal markets to competition by 2009 is a realistic objective for all Member States,” hedeclared.
The European Commission launched an online public consultation earlier this month invitingcomments from all stakeholders about postal policy and further liberalisation, and is alsoconducting studies on the impact of full postal liberalisation in each member state.
