Bolkestein: pan-EU stamp is still lost in the post

Date: 13/02/03

THE pan-EU postage stamp is unlikely to become a reality in the near future despitethe success of the euro, according to Frits Bolkestein, the commissioner responsible for postal issues.

Responding to MEPs who favour the idea, the Dutch commissioner said there were simply too many technical barriers.

"For example, if Irish stamps were used in Belgium, the postal operator in Ireland would benefit from the stamp revenue but incur no costs towards the delivery of the postal item in Belgium," he explained.

However, aides confirmed that the commissioner plans to unveil proposals to impose value-added tax (VAT) on postal services - including stamps - in March.

Currently, national post offices - mostly still state operated - are exempt.

Competitors such as parcel delivery firms, who must charge VAT, have complained that this puts them at a commercial disadvantage.

The pan-EU postage stamp is unlikely to become a reality in the near future despite the success of the euro, according to Frits Bolkestein, the commissioner responsible for postal issues.