EU Timeline
06 September 21
Javier Huerta Bravo
This edition of Cullen International’s EU Timeline highlights key regulatory developments foreseen at EU level until the end of 2021.
Commission approves two-year extension of state aid to bpost for newspaper distribution
03 September 21
Peter Dunn
The European Commission has approved a two-year extension of state aid to bpost for press distribution up to a maximum of €350m. The Commission assessed the measure for compatibility under the rules applying to services of general economic interest (SGEI, article 106.2 of the TFEU).
UPU Congress elects new leadership, sets strategy for 2021–2025
02 September 21
Peter Dunn
The 27th UPU Congress elected a new DG and Deputy DG to lead the UPU into the next cycle of work until 2025. The new strategy is centred around the UPU providing more services and solutions for its members. In addition, the UPU will continue to discuss how to open up participation to wider postal sector players. The Congress also approved further steps on the reform of the remuneration system, as well as considering further actions on sustainability.
AGCOM proposes new transparency regulations for large parcels providers
30 August 21
Peter Dunn
The Italian regulator, AGCOM, is consulting on new regulations that would require large parcel operators to provide information to the regulator each year on pricing and employment conditions. Special transparency rules would also apply solely to Amazon on account of its special dual position as an online seller and delivery operator.
An overview of Canada’s postal sector
18 August 21
Armen Ghalumyan
Canada Post has the exclusive right to collect and deliver letters on the territory of the country. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic left a significant impact on the postal incumbent’s operations and financial results, with decreased volumes and revenue from letter mail and direct marketing, which were only partially offset by the growth in parcel volumes. Given the pandemic-related challenging circumstances, Canada Post has suspended on-time delivery guarantees for all parcel services since 18 March 2020, until further notice.
COVID effects have accelerated market trends in Austria
18 August 21
Michael van Maris van Dijk
The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated market trends in the Austrian postal market. Letter volumes in 2020 dropped by 7.6%, the biggest drop since 2017, while parcel volumes experienced a boom, growing by 17.2%.