postal regulation

The postal sector is changing fast. As the traditional market enters a steep decline, e-commerce is driving rapid and unprecedented growth in parcel delivery - all of which has an impact on the way the sector is regulated.

At Cullen International, we provide independent and expert insight into the past, present and future of EU postal regulation. Subscribe to our intelligence services, and we’ll help you to stay informed as the sector evolves and to understand how that evolution affects you.

general topics covered

Universal service obligations

Use our Postal service to stay informed on the steps taken by regulators to maintain the sustainability of the universal service despite the decline in traditional postal volumes. Track and compare different national regimes, and anticipate new rules and reforms taking place at the EU level. Topics covered include :

  • Postal Services Directive
  • Universal service scope and changes
  • Price caps
  • Funding
E-commerce

E-commerce has led to rapid growth in the parcel sector, driving providers to innovate and diversify to rise to new challenges and meet changing consumer expectations. As national and EU level regulation is now increasingly focusing on this area, our intelligence services provide an essential independent resource on this transformative trend. Topics covered include:

  • Horizontal consumer protection rules
  • Postal sector rules on parcel delivery
  • Alternative means of delivery
  • VAT and customs

latest intelligence

Finnish data protection ombudsman fines Posti’s digital mailbox service for data protection breaches
04 December 24 Michael van Maris van Dijk

The Finnish data protection ombudsman has imposed a €2.4m fine on Posti, the universal service provider, for breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation. The ombudsman found that Posti used the personal data of customers to create a digital mailbox without their consent, did not properly inform customers about the mailbox, and that the app’s technical settings broke data protection obligations.

The ERGP reaffirms its support for a potential review of the postal regulatory framework by the Commission
03 December 24 Armen Ghalumyan

The European regulators group for postal services (ERGP) expressed its support for the European Commission’s potential review of the EU postal regulatory framework at its 27th plenary meeting, held on 29 November 2024. The ERGP also officially approved its 2025 work programme and several reports prepared in 2024. Sandra Maximiano, president of Portuguese communications regulator, was elected as ERGP chair for 2026.

New European Commission confirmed
27 November 24 Peter Dunn

The European Parliament plenary approved the new European Commission, which should be able to take office formally on 1 December 2024. Parliament approved the vote in its plenary meeting, which took place in Strasbourg on 27 November. The plenary vote followed individual Parliamentary hearings for each commissioner-designate.

Spanish regulator publishes its determinations of an unfair burden due to the postal universal service provision in 2014-2016
25 November 24 Carmen Mateas

The Spanish postal regulator, CNMC, has issued decisions determining the unfair financial burden placed on Correos, the universal service provider, by the provision of the postal universal service obligation in 2014-2016. As a result of the decisions, the advanced subsidy paid to Correos during the relevant years will be retroactively reduced.

Lithuania adopts new postal law to ensure sustainable provision of the postal universal service
23 November 24 Armen Ghalumyan

Lithuania adopted a new postal law, replacing the previous law of 2012. The new law seeks to ensure the sustainable provision of the postal universal service, enhance consumer protection and increase competition in the postal sector.

Irish parcel market revenues decreased slightly in 2023
06 November 24 Armen Ghalumyan

While the Irish parcel market recorded a 1% increase in total volumes in 2023, total parcel revenues dropped by 1% compared with 2022. Domestic parcels accounted for the biggest share of the market in 2023, with 63% of total volumes. On the other hand, total cross-border parcels made up 37% of parcel volumes and generated 56.9% of parcel revenues.

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