Postal sector in Norway: ESA opens investigation into alleged state aid to Posten
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has launched a formal investigation into potential State aid provided by Norway to Posten, the country’s postal incumbent, starting from 2016. The investigation follows a complaint from Helthjem, a post and parcel company owned by three Norwegian media houses, alleging that the aid in question may be unlawful and incompatible with EEA rules, and that it has distorted competition in Norway’s parcel delivery market.
Posten is responsible for providing nationwide postal services under universal service obligations funded through the state budget. ESA’s investigation focuses on the compensation awarded to Posten for these obligations and whether it constitutes state aid. If so, ESA will assess whether it qualifies as new or existing aid and determine its compatibility with the state aid rules.
A summary of ESA’s decision will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and the EEA Supplement inviting interested parties to submit comments within one month of publication. Clayton & Segura will keep you updated on this link and can help you prepare comments.
For further information, see the PR.