Liberalization of postal services05/08/08 / cata_european-union-news
The European Parliament approved opening of the postal services market pursuant to Directive No. 2008/6, published in Official Bulletin L 52 on 20 February 2008. The exclusive right of national post offices to deliver postal consignments of up to 50 grams ceases to exist in most EU countries as of 31 December 2010, but the Czech Republic and other new members may postpone this change until 2013. Simultaneously, they may be refused the right to enter the already liberalized markets.
The directive introduces the requirement of so-called universal service to ensure postal services in scarcely populated areas and their prices are identical to those in cities. Universal services may be financed by state subsidies.