European Commission approves state aid to Czech Post for providing the USO in 2025–2029
25 February 26
Jan Cisar
The European Commission approved state aid to be paid by the Czech government to Czech Post as compensation for the postal universal service obligation (USO) provided in the period 2025 to 2029.
EU approves state aid for Poste Italiane to provide USO in 2025/6
19 February 26
Peter Dunn
The European Commission approved state aid for a maximum of €350m, intended to be paid by the Italian government to Poste Italiane as compensation for the postal universal service obligation (USO) to be provided in the period 1 January 2025 to 30 April 2026. Poste Italiane carries out the USO in line with its extended public service contract with the government.
The European Council introduces a €3 customs fee on low-value e-commerce imports in July 2026
19 February 26
Celine Senay
The Council of the European Union has introduced a €3 customs duty per item on goods imported from non-EU countries with a value below €150, applicable as of 1 July 2026.
ERGP publishes several new reports, including on quality of service and universal service funding
12 February 26
Michael van Maris van Dijk
The European regulators group for postal services published three new reports on: quality of service, consumer protection and complaint handling; quality of service standards; and the financing of the universal service obligation.
Ireland proposes new minimum requirements for postal service providers’ user complaint handling procedures
30 January 26
Armen Ghalumyan
The draft measures, currently under consultation by the communications regulator ComReg, aim to apply a standardised approach to complaint handling. Among other changes, the measures would introduce standardised timeframes and definitions to postal operators’ codes of practice.
Poland consults on postal law amendments to regulate dangerous postal items
29 January 26
Monika Kačeriaková
Proposed amendments concerning draft regulatory obligations on postal operators when handling dangerous postal items. If proposals are adopted, postal operators would be entitled to compensation from senders for costs incurred in handling items containing hazardous goods.