The European Commission adopted its Green Paper on the development of the Single Market for Postal Services on 13 May 1992. The Green Paper is a discussion document, the purpose of which is to stimulate an in-depth discussion with Governments, users, operators, employees and other interests in order to shape policies to ensure that all customers throughout the Community receive efficient, high quality postal services at affordable prices. Following a consultation period, the Commission will draw up definite conclusions and propose any necessary action.
The Green Paper envisages, inter alia, the establishment of a set of reserved, i.e. monopoly, postal services, the basing of postal tariffs and inter-administration compensation payments on costs, the separation of regulatory and operational functions, the setting of service performance standards and harmonisation of certain aspects of the postal service.
The Green Paper also envisages the possible liberalisation of certain areas of the letter mail service. These aspects will need to be considered in depth, in particular regarding their potential impact on the financial viability of An Post and the need to maintain the economic and social balance necessary to guarantee the continuation of the universal service at an affordable price.
My Department will consider the various proposals in the Green Paper and furnish their views to the European Commission in due course.