Postal services: common rules for the development of the services and improvement of quality of service

The amended proposal for a Directive on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services incorporates, in full or in part, 16 of the 58 amendments adopted by Parliament at first reading. The Commission accepted those amendments which: - emphasize the importance of creating an internal market for postal services within the Community; - reaffirm the need for a wide consultation of interested parties in the postal sector; - increase transparency and ensure the effective provision of relevant information to the public; - refer to the possibility for Member States to integrate the 12-star symbol of the EU into their postage stamps and the need to explore the possibilities for introducing Euro-denominated postage stamps; - make clear that the process of liberalization should not curtail the right of Member States to make provision for services for blind and partially sighted persons; - clarify the text in a manner consistent with the aims of the Directive; - extend the period allowed for implementation of the Directive; - are consistent with other Community legislation. The amendments not incorporated in the amended proposal essentially concern the following points: - reserved services and the timetable for liberalization; - declaration and authorization procedures; - quality of service: - terminal dues; - social and employment issues; - case law of the Court of Justice. �