Deutsche Post and Selekt Mail file complaint against extension of mail monopoly in the Netherlands

Deutsche Post World Net and Deutsche Post Selekt Mail Nederland C.V. filed a joint complaint with the European Commission today to protest the renewed delay of the opening of the mail market in the Netherlands. Basis for the complaint is the Dutch government’s decision not to end the mail monopoly as planned on July 1, 2008, but to extend it indefinitely, thereby creating a competitive advantage for Post TNT of the Netherlands.

Through their decision, the Netherlands join the group of opponents against a liberalization who refuse the uniform opening of postal markets in Europe and continue to count on market foreclosure instead of competition.

Under the European law, a member state may reserve the national postal market exclusively for one provider only if this approach plays an essential role in financing the universal service. However, the statements of the Dutch government clearly show that the renewed delay only serves the interests of TNT. The Dutch government’s activities are, therefore, a clear violation of European legislation.

The allegation of an insufficient competition in the neighbor countries, especially in Germany, is just an excuse. The German postal market has been completely open since January 1, 2008. An indefinite delay protects the home market of the Dutch TNT that has been acting in Germany for years and that has unlimited business opportunities since the fall of the mail monopoly there.

In anticipation of liberalization, DP Selekt Mail, like other TNT competitors, has already made extensive investments. For this reason, Deutsche Post and DP Selekt Mail are calling on the Commission to act promptly and to eliminate the unacceptable distortion of competition contrary to European law in the Dutch postal market as soon as possible.

Deutsche Post World Net and Deutsche Post Selekt Mail Nederland C.V. filed a joint complaint with the European Commission today to protest the renewed delay of the opening of the mail market in the Netherlands. Basis for the complaint is the Dutch government’s decision not to end the mail monopoly as planned on July 1, 2008, but to extend it indefinitely, thereby creating a competitive advantage for Post TNT of the Netherlands.

Through their decision, the Netherlands join the group of opponents against a liberalization who refuse the uniform opening of postal markets in Europe and continue to count on market foreclosure instead of competition.

Under the European law, a member state may reserve the national postal market exclusively for one provider only if this approach plays an essential role in financing the universal service. However, the statements of the Dutch government clearly show that the renewed delay only serves the interests of TNT. The Dutch government’s activities are, therefore, a clear violation of European legislation.

The allegation of an insufficient competition in the neighbor countries, especially in Germany, is just an excuse. The German postal market has been completely open since January 1, 2008. An indefinite delay protects the home market of the Dutch TNT that has been acting in Germany for years and that has unlimited business opportunities since the fall of the mail monopoly there.

In anticipation of liberalization, DP Selekt Mail, like other TNT competitors, has already made extensive investments. For this reason, Deutsche Post and DP Selekt Mail are calling on the Commission to act promptly and to eliminate the unacceptable distortion of competition contrary to European law in the Dutch postal market as soon as possible.