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 process.
As a forum for debate and discussion, the EAC increases understanding about the EU regulatory framework, fosters the exchange of insights and expertise amongst members, provides operators with an important link to EU institutions as well as initiates lobbying activities on regulatory topics impacting the postal industry.
Postal Directive
The postal directive, adopted in 1997 and modified in 2002 and 2008, created a common regulatory framework whose objectives is to accomplish the Internal Market for postal services and to ensure a reliable universal postal service. These two objectives are complemented by a series of measures linked to the regulation of postal services as well as the consumer protection and the maintenance of social provisions in the postal sector.
The working group monitors the European postal reform process thanks to a precise analysis of the various initiatives taken by European institutions (legislative proposals, studies, impact assessments, etc.) and maintains a permanent dialogue with all postal regulatory stakeholders (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 force and parcel delivery service providers are required to provide their public list prices for a certain set of products to the relevant National Regulatory Authority (NRA) who assesses the tariffs. PostEurop experts continue to monitor the implementation of this regulation and engage in regular stakeholder dialogues.
Led by
Chair: Achim Schröder (Deutsche Post)
Vice-Chair: Manfredi Pucci Di Benisichi (Poste Italiane)
Standardisation
Standardisation facilitates trade, enhances safety, enables interoperability of products and services, promotes a common technical understanding and sets minimum quality requirements. As a result, it has an enormous impact on the work of postal operators, for which interoperability is a key factor of success in consistently delivering high quality of service.
The European Postal Directive references the important role of standardisation (art. 20) the specific goals of which are the harmonisation of technical processes at EU level within the universal postal service (e.g. transit time measurement) and enabling interoperability of postal industry stakeholders.
Led by
Chair: Dariusz Parzuchowski (Poczta Polska)
Digital services
In May 2015, the Commission submitted its Digital Single Market Strategy. It denotes the strategy of the European Commission to ensure access to online activities for individuals and businesses under conditions of fair competition. The aim is to maximize the growth of the European Digital Economy and of its society, so that every European can enjoy its full benefit.
The working group collects and provide information on objectives and development of the European regulatory framework of the Digital services. It develops and lobby common positions on relevant digital single market initiatives and establish a 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 in response to the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a pivotal piece of legislation affecting both European and non-European members of PostEurop.
This group provides expert guidance on the implications of data protection, ePrivacy, and related regulations on the postal industry, ensuring that members stay informed and compliant with evolving legal requirements.
Led by:
Chair: Sarah Gallagher (An Post)
Vice-Chair: Dominic Batchelor (Royal Mail)
VAT
The VAT (Value Added Tax) working group examines the developments proposed by the EU in VAT legislation and take appropriate actions for its members. This includes understanding the EU plans on VAT, keeping members informed, and acting upon these plans to influence EU actions.
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 discusses the latest regulatory developments in relevant policy fields and their impact on the postal sector. It monitors and evaluates European transport legislation and other key developments affecting the industry.
Members collaborate to formulate positions when necessary and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to represent the interests of PostEurop’s members. The group also initiates lobbying activities targeting European institutions and policymakers, advocating for favorable outcomes for the postal sector.
Additionally, members participate in the European Commission’s expert groups and industry alliances on specific topics as needed, further strengthening the group’s influence and effectiveness.
Led by
Chair: Mitra Qurban (Deutsche Post)
Vice-Chair: Camilla Pedrini (La Poste)
Environment, social and governance (ESG)
This group support PostEurop members in implementing legislation such as Taxonomy Regulation, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive Proposal. that entails extensive reporting requirements and significant organizational impacts. This includes fostering knowledge exchange among experts on reporting practices related to environmental, social, governance, and human rights issues, both within their operations and across their value chains.
The group also monitors regulatory developments and, when necessary, undertakes lobbying activities to advocate for the interests of PostEurop members.
Led by
Chair: Mitra Qurban (Deutsche Post)
Vice-Chair: Margaux Meidinger (La Poste)
