Twelve European postal operators have renewed their joint call for “a cautious approach” in postalliberalisation ahead of a key debate on the issue at the European Parliament’s transport committee
today (Monday). The European Commission’s target of full liberalisation in 2009 now appears highlyunlikely.In a joint statement, the postal operators of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece,Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland and Slovakia said that they “observe withinterest the caution that characterises the majority of debates” in the EU Parliament on the issueof postal market liberalisation.
Over the past few months several signatory postal operators have highlighted the difficultyof identifying and implementing a financing mechanism that guarantees the continuity of theuniversal postal service in the event of full liberalisation of the market, the 12 Posts said.
Faced with this problem, several debates in the EU Parliament called for caution and raisedcrucial issues such as viable financing mechanisms of the universal service, dangers of socialdumping and the necessary conditions for a level playing field between market players. As a result,three European Parliamentary Committees as well the European Social and Economic Committee proposednew dates for the completion of the internal market for postal services, to be confirmed ifappropriate, the 12 Posts pointed out.
The 12 signatory postal operators said that they support a responsible approach and assertthat the actual uncertainties must be addressed before the current system of financing of theuniversal postal service is put to an end.
MEPs are expected to seek a compromise deal on European postal liberalisation at thetransport committee meeting today. Observers expect them to demand a two-year delay to the EuropeanCommission’s proposal for full liberalisation in 2009. A formal transport committee vote isscheduled for June 18, and the full European Parliament will then vote on the issue in July.
European transport ministers are meanwhile due to discuss postal liberalisation at their June6-8 telecommunications council meeting, ahead of a possible decision at the European Council inlate June.
