The digital age has reshaped the way societies communicate, raising fundamental questions about the role of traditional postal services. Once a state-controlled monopoly, postal operators now face increasing pressure as digitalisation reduces the demand for letter services while e-commerce drives parcel delivery growth. The European postal regulatory framework, originally designed to protect universal service obligations (USO), is now struggling to remain relevant.
This talk explores whether postal incumbents are doomed to obsolescence, mere 'living fossils' in a digital society, or if they remain vital as part of critical state infrastructure. With financial sustainability a pressing concern, is there a future in which postal services continue to serve an essential function, or should regulation shift towards a different model?
The session will introduce key challenges, provoke discussion on the role of USO, and explore possible future directions for postal incumbents. Instead of a lengthy lecture, the format will encourage an interactive debate, allowing the audience to engage in a dynamic discussion on the future of postal regulation in the EU.
Mateusz Cholodecki is a postal regulatory lawyer and Visiting Fellow at the European University Institute in Florence. With a focus on the intersection of digital transformation and postal market regulation, Mateusz has extensive experience analysing the evolution of universal service obligations and the challenges of liberalised markets. His research delves into the historical, legal, and societal impacts of postal services, offering forward-looking insights into their future role in the digital age.