The basic concept of universal service, which was originated by the Commission , is to ensure the provision of high quality service to all at prices everyone can afford. These criteria are not always all met at national level, but where they have been introduced using the concept of European universal service, there have been positive effects for the development of general interest services. Universal service is the expression in Europe of the requirements and special features of the European model of society in a policy which combines a dynamic market, cohesion and solidarity. High quality universal postal services are of great importance for private and business customers alike. In view of the development of electronic commerce their importance will even increase in the very near future.
Postal services have a valuable role to play here.
As regards the postal sector, an harmonization Directive has been adopted on 1 December 1997 by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of a proposal made by the Commission in 1995 and amended subsequently. This Directive aims to introduce common rules for developing the postal sector and improving the quality of service, as well as gradually opening up the markets in a controlled way. The basis of the proposal is to safeguard the postal service as a universal service in the long term. The Directive imposes on Member States a minimum harmonized standard of universal services including a high quality service countrywide with regular guaranteed deliveries at prices everyone can afford. This involves the collection, transport, sorting and delivery of letters as well as catalogues and parcels within certain price and weight limits.