A Call for Smarter Regulation & Sustainable Growth in European Parcel Delivery

Following his keynote at the 2025 ERGP Stakeholders Forum in Brussels—a strategic gathering of EU regulators, postal operators and industry leaders, Olivier Tsalpatouros, Geopost’s Senior Director for Regulatory & Global Affairs, shares his perspective on why harmonised regulation, fair competition and climate leadership are essential to the future of delivery in Europe.

The delivery sector is at a crossroads. Geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the way goods move across borders. I believe that smart, harmonised regulation is essential to ensure fair competition, sustainability and resilience in this new landscape.

At Geopost, we are committed to driving this transformation thanks to innovation–also in terms of pricing. The suppression of de minimis thresholds [amount under which a parcel may transit borders without import duties] is a global trend, not a regional anomaly. As more countries including China, South Africa, Brazil and the EU move toward formal customs declarations for low-value imports, we must prepare for increased complexity and cost. While this shift promotes transparency and security, it also demands robust infrastructure and administrative capacity. I see a clear need for Europe to strike a balance between de-risking geopolitical dependencies and maintaining open, efficient trade with strategic partners. There is neither EU internal market failure nor need for EU measures with regards to competition in the courier, express and parcel delivery sector; competition is strong and growing. Within the EU, fragmentation continues to hinder the free movement of goods. As someone deeply engaged in the Single Market, I support the Letta Report’s call for greater harmonisation. The rise of large tech platforms in logistics underscores the need for a level playing field—one that protects innovation while ensuring fair competition. We also urge policymakers to address labour mobility and skills shortages, particularly in transport and logistics, through mutual recognition and reskilling initiatives. 

In the urban logistics space, Out-of-Home (OOH) delivery networks are transforming e-commerce. With 50% of European cross-border e-shoppers preferring lockers and collection points*, OOH offers flexibility and urban efficiency. At the same time, Cash on Delivery remains vital in several EU markets and must be backed by a clear legal framework to protect workers and assets. 

Finally, sustainability must remain a central pillar. At Geopost, we are proud to be the first global parcel delivery company with a Net Zero roadmap approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. However, reaching our 2040 goals requires accelerated investment in infrastructure—especially when it comes to charging points—and recognition of EU-developed methodologies like the Parcel Delivery Environmental Footprint (PDEF). Regulatory consistency across transport and environmental legislation will be key to delivering on these ambitions. 

* Geopost E-Shopper barometer : 2025 e-commerce trends