The postal sector is changing fast. In our two-day masterclass, we provide an introduction to the critical trends in the sector - including the decline in traditional postal volumes and the growth in parcel deliveries resulting from e-commerce - and how these changes will inform the future of postal regulation. Topics covered include the future of universal service, regulating parcel deliveries and e-commerce, the application of competition law in the sector, and more.

The training will provide attendees with:

The class will cover the key regulatory issues affecting the sector, including:

• a historical perspective of European postal regulation;

• a clear overview of regulatory concepts, issues, and developments in the postal and parcel delivery sector;

• a review of the challenges facing the traditional postal operators and how they are reacting in different ways to these challenges;

• how the concept of universal service has been predominant in postal regulation and how this concept has developed over time, reflecting changing market realities;

• as mail volumes fall significantly, a review of the growing parcel delivery sector and the implications for regulation;

• the growing relevance of horizontal forms of regulation, particularly those governing e-commerce;

• new and continuing challenges for operators and regulators arising from environmental concerns, cross-border delivery (including terminal dues), automated forms of delivery (including drones), and possible changes in the scope and definition of universal service;

• the importance of employee-related issues and labour regulation in the postal sector; and

• the application of competition law in the sector, including state aid and abuse cases

Who should attend and why?

This two-day master class will be of particular interest to:

• seasoned regulatory experts who have become specialised in a specific regulatory area but who wish to refresh their understanding of the broader range of regulatory issues; or

• individuals who have recently moved into a regulatory position and wish to acquire a rapid grasp of the key debates; or

• people who are not in a regulatory position but whose work often involves a regulatory context and who wish to gain a better understanding of these issues.

Furthermore, the programme will:

• offer a clear insight into the main issues of the EU regulatory framework affecting the postal and parcel delivery sectors, and other relevant EU legislation;

• explain how these issues affect participants’ own national regulatory environment; and

• provide a forum for participants to learn and exchange views on the emerging questions faced by the postal and parcel delivery industry