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ERGP Opinion on the future regulation of postal services
PRESS RELEASE
The ERGP (European Regulators Group for Postal Services) has published today its opinion on the review of the regulatory framework for postal services
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Portugal, 28 June 2019
This Opinion builds upon the ERGP Report on Developments in the postal sector and implications for regulation published last March on ERGP’s website. The report identified core trends and developments in the postal sector as well as difficulties that national regulatory authorities encounter in applying the provisions of the Postal Services Directive.
Based on these findings, which indicated the need to revise the postal framework, the Opinion now explores the dynamics of the postal sector, identifying challenges for the future and providing recommendations to the European Commission on the review of the existing regulatory framework.
In its Opinion, the ERGP advocates a forward-looking perspective for the new regulatory framework for the postal sector, in view of the developments in technology and fundamental changes in user demand in recent years and their anticipated continuation in the years to come. The Group believes that a new framework should focus on the objectives of competition, considering that regulatory intervention in markets should take place only in case of actual or potential market failure. Consequently, a proper functioning of markets and competition should be the main objectives as well as the universal service provision of a minimum set of postal services with a certain level of quality and price needs to be available.
The ERGP observes a shift in the market from a focus on the sender to the recipient. In the Group’s opinion, this calls for a strengthened approach to safeguarding consumer interest in its broader sense.
The ERGP furthermore emphasises the importance of the regulatory framework providing the Member States and Regulatory Authorities with sufficient flexibility to address specific national circumstances.
Based on these findings, which indicated the need to revise the postal framework, the Opinion now explores the dynamics of the postal sector, identifying challenges for the future and providing recommendations to the European Commission on the review of the existing regulatory framework.
In its Opinion, the ERGP advocates a forward-looking perspective for the new regulatory framework for the postal sector, in view of the developments in technology and fundamental changes in user demand in recent years and their anticipated continuation in the years to come. The Group believes that a new framework should focus on the objectives of competition, considering that regulatory intervention in markets should take place only in case of actual or potential market failure. Consequently, a proper functioning of markets and competition should be the main objectives as well as the universal service provision of a minimum set of postal services with a certain level of quality and price needs to be available.
The ERGP observes a shift in the market from a focus on the sender to the recipient. In the Group’s opinion, this calls for a strengthened approach to safeguarding consumer interest in its broader sense.
The ERGP furthermore emphasises the importance of the regulatory framework providing the Member States and Regulatory Authorities with sufficient flexibility to address specific national circumstances.
Finally, the ERGP points out that NRA tasks and the role and function of ERGP as an independent advisory body could be formally recognised by the new regulatory framework for postal services.
Both the Opinion and the Report will serve as input for the European Commission in the evaluation of the Postal Services Directive. The opinion is part of a wider inclusive process in which fact-based evidence, expertise and stakeholder views are gathered; the ERGP will continue to contribute to this process.
The full Opinion is available on the ERGP webpage under the 2019 documents.
The ERGP is an expert group composed of national regulatory authorities for postal services of EU and EEA states, established by a European Commission decision in order to advise and assist the Commission in consolidating the internal market for postal services or any other matter related to postal services within its competence.
Contact details: GROW-ERGP@ec.europa.eu
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For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Roberta Frangeša Mihanovića 9
10110 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website:
Registration required.
ABOUT HAKOM: HAKOM (www.hakom.hr) - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary competencies in market regulation.
