The European Commission has established that the compensation granted by Italy to Poste Italiane for carrying out the public service ("universal service obligation") in the periods 2012-2015 and 2016-2019 is in line with EU rules on state aid. This is 1,05 billion euros for 2016-2019 and 1,34 billion for 2012-2015.
According to the Commission, the compensation granted to Poste Italiane "is based on a solid and prudent method, which guarantees that the compensation does not exceed the cost of the public service mission", writes the Community Executive. In particular, "the calculation contains an estimate and duly takes into account all the intangible advantages associated with the status of provider entrusted with the fulfillment of public service obligations, such as synergies between postal and financial services".
Furthermore, "the amount of aid granted decreases considerably over time if we take into account the significant improvement in terms of efficiency that will be obtained during the period of conferment of the universal service obligation". In October 2015, Italy notified the EU that it intended to compensate Poste Italiane for fulfilling its universal postal service obligation over the period 2016-2019.
This obligation includes basic postal services provided throughout the country at affordable prices and in compliance with certain minimum quality requirements. Under the contract concluded with Italy, Poste Italiane would receive a maximum of €1,05 billion for the period 2016-2019 (€262 million per year).
Italy also informed the Commission of compensations already approved but not yet paid for the fulfillment of the universal service obligation in the period 2012-2015 following the extension of a previous contract. The compensation for the period 2012-2015 would amount to a maximum of €1,34 billion (€335 million per year).
Under EU state aid rules on public service compensation, adopted in 2011, companies can receive compensation for the extra costs of providing a public service subject to certain criteria.
This allows Member States to grant state aid for the provision of public services while avoiding overcompensation in favor of the companies entrusted with these services, so as to minimize distortions of competition and to ensure efficient use of resources. public resources.
