The European Union Affairs Committee (EAC) contributes to shaping the European regulatory environment, mitigate the effects of regulation on the postal sector and give Members a voice in the decision-making process.
Serving as a forum for debate and discussion, the EAC enhances understanding about the EU regulatory framework, facilitates the exchange of insights and expertise amongst members, strengthens operators connections with EU institutions. In addition, it drives lobbying efforts on regulatory issues that affect the postal industry.
Postal Directive
The Postal Directive, adopted in 1997 and revised in 2002 and 2008, created a common regulatory framework aimed at achieveing an Internal Market for postal services and to ensure a reliable universal postal service. These objectives are complemented by a series of measures linked to the postal services regulation, consumer protection and the maintenance of social provisions within the postal sector.
The working group closely monitors the European postal reform process through detailed analysis of the various initiatives taken by European institutions (including legislative proposals, studies, impact assessments, etc.) and maintains ongoing dialogue with all postal regulatory stakeholders (incl. institutions, regulation authorities, experts, etc.)
Led by
Co-Chairs: Frederica Leone (Poste Italiane) & Nerea Pérez Arcos (Correos)
Vice-Chairs: Denis Joram (La Poste) & Stefan Kapell (PostNL)
E-Commerce
On 22 May 2018, the EU Regulation on cross-border parcel delivery services came into effect. Under this regulation, parcel delivery service providers are required to provide their public list prices for a defined set of products to the relevant National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for tariff assessment.
PostEurop experts actively monitor the implementation of this regulation, related studies and assessment reports in light of a potential review, and maintain regular dialogue with stakeholders.
Led by
Chair: Achim Schröder (Deutsche Post)
Vice-Chair: Manfredi Pucci Di Benisichi (Poste Italiane)
Standardisation
The European Postal Directive underscores the importance of standardisation (art. 20) in achiving the its objectives. These include harmonising of technical processes at EU level within the universal postal service and enabling interoperability among stakeholders in the postal industry. To foster it, European Commission (EC) mandates CEN/TC-331 Postal Services to develop european standards by means of issuing Standardisation Requests. The latest request, M/590 from 2023, focuses on parcel services and e-commerce solutions, the digitalisation of the postal value chain and environmental sustainability.
The main goal of this working group is to assess and provide feedback on CEN/TC-331 standards developments ensuring consistency with UPU’s standards and avoiding duplications. It aims to also increase awareness and importance of standardization issues among members, as well as encouraging them to actively participate in the works of CEN and UPU.
Led by
Chair: Dariusz Parzuchowski (Poczta Polska)
Digital Services
In recent years, several legislative measures have been adopted under the priority “A Europe Fit for the Digital Age,” aiming to make digital transformation work for people while fostering a fair and competitive economy. Concrete targets and objectives for the EU’s digital transformation have been set for 2030, focusing on four key areas: digital infrastructure, digital skills, and the digitization of businesses and public services.
This dedicated working group supports this vision of a digital world rooted in European values. It gathers and shares insights on the objectives and development of the European regulatory framework for digital services, develops unified positions on key initiatives, engaging in advocacy efforts, and fostering constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
Led by:
Chair: Manfredi Pucci Di Benisichi (Poste Italiane)
Vice-Chair: Sónia Santos Salgueiro (CTT Correios de Portugal)
Data Protection
The Data Protection Working Group was reactivated to address the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a landmark piece of legislation impacting both EU and non-EU members of PostEurop.
The group offers expert guidance on data protection, ePrivacy, and related regulations, helping postal industry members remain informed and compliant with evolving legal standards.
Led by:
Chair: Sarah Gallagher (An Post)
Vice-Chair: Dominic Batchelor (Royal Mail)
VAT
The VAT (Value Added Tax) Working Group monitors developments in EU VAT legislation and takes appropriate actions on behalf of its members. Its responsibilities include analyzing EU proposals, keeping members informed of upcoming changes, and proactively engaging to influence EU policy decisions relevant to the European postal industry .
Led by:
Chair: Carlo Sauve (Poste Italiane)
Vice-Chair: Ingrid De Swert (bpost)
Sanction and Embargoes
This group is linked to the Customs working group.
Led by
Chair: Reinhard Fischer (Deutsche Post)
Vice-Chair: Felix Ebner (Deutsche Post)
Transport and Environment
The Working Group actively tracks and discusses the latest regulatory developments in key policy areas and assesses their impact on the postal sector. It closely monitors European transport legislation and other critical initiatives shaping the industry.
Members collaborate to develop unified positions when necessary and engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders to represent the collective interests of PostEurop’s members. The group also undertakes lobbying efforts aimed at European institutions and policymakers, advocating for favorable policies and outcomes for the postal sector.
In addition, members contribute to the European Commission’s expert groups and participate in industry alliances on specific topics, further enhancing the group’s influence and effectiveness.
Led by
Chair: Mitra Qurban (Deutsche Post)
Environment, social and governance (ESG)
The Sustainability and Reporting working group supports PostEurop members in implementing legislation such as the Taxonomy Regulation, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and the proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. These regulations impose extensive reporting requirements and have significant organizational impacts.
The group facilitates knowledge exchange among experts on reporting practices related to environmental, social, governance (ESG), and human rights issues, both within members’ operations and across their value chains.
Additionally, the group monitors regulatory developments and undertakes lobbying efforts when necessary to advocate for the interests of PostEurop members.
Led by
Chair: Mitra Qurban (Deutsche Post)
Vice-Chair: Margaux Meidinger (La Poste)
