The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) have agreed to work more closely together on issues of technical cooperation and to share more information and best practice on regulatory issues.  

Ulrich Dammann, Co-President of CEPT, a European intergovernmental organization and restricted union of the UPU, and Bishar A. Hussein, Director General of the UPU, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to this effect at UPU headquarters on 25 April 2013.

CEPT already participates in the UPU’s work, particularly through its European Committee for Postal Regulation (CERP). It has supported the joint implementation of UPU regional development plans and provided expertise in seminars for regulators in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The MOU establishes a cooperation framework between the two parties in areas of common interest, such as the Universal Postal Service obligation and postal regulation and policy.

CEPT and the UPU will promote and exchange best practices among countries and restricted unions. They will cooperate in specialized studies and on projects within their respective fields.

"While solutions can differ, regulatory issues are often the same in various parts of the world," says Ulrich Dammann, Co-President of CEPT. "That includes getting rid of inefficient structures that hinder postal development, setting up an independent regulator to oversee the market and ensuring that the postal operator has the right tools to increase its ability to finance itself."

Dammann added: “European regulators are eager to share their experience and help countries from having to reinvent the wheel. Our goal is to give a better service to the public using competitive and legal bases.”

NOTES:

About CEPT
The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) is an organisation where policy makers and regulators from 48 countries across Europe collaborate to harmonise telecommunication, radio spectrum, and postal regulations to improve efficiency and co-ordination for the benefit of European society.

About CERP
CEPT's European Committee for Postal Regulation (CERP) is responsible for postal regulation and European co-ordination and preparation for Universal Postal Union meetings.

About the UPU
With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services.

In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel and financial services volumes and improve quality of service for customers. For more information please visit: www.upu.int/