In any case, alternative providers would become significantly more competitive in many sub-markets if the considerable barriers to competition that still exist were removed. A certain degree of competition can already be observed in the parcel markets today. This competition – which in many cases is only potential – has already brought tangible benefits for consumers and businesses. It still appears necessary to safeguard existing competition by modernising market supervision.

The separation of the public sector’s links with Deutsche Post AG should be tackled swiftly. The 21 per cent stake retained by the federal government does not confer any significant influence and should be sold off. In addition, it appears necessary in the short term to grant VAT exemption for universal services on a non-discriminatory basis. In the long term, efforts should be made to phase out this exemption. Overall, based on experience with regulatory practice and the implementation of EU legal requirements, a reform of postal legislation appears imperative.

At the administrative level, making market supervision more effective on the existing basis holds particular promise. In this context, cooperation between the Federal Network Agency and the Federal Cartel Office should also be expanded. Market monitoring that is as comprehensive as possible could significantly improve the authorities’ overview of the market. This should be based on existing and future regulatory datasets, as well as the effective involvement of third parties. Political and academic debate could also benefit from such a data foundation.