The Ministry of Economic Affairs rejected a formal request from PostNL for temporary financial support on Friday morning. The postal company had asked for help to continue the current services, but will not receive a reimbursement from the government.
PostNL states that this year and next year it needs 68 million euros to remain profitable. The company is struggling with a structural falling number of letters. Because the law requires that letters must be delivered within one day, PostNL cannot extend the delivery time to save costs.
In the past ten years, the number of letters sent has almost halved, while the legal obligation to deliver within a day has remained unchanged. Minister Dirk Beljaarts of Economic Affairs decided last year not to adjust this law after a majority in the Lower House had spoken.
PostNL responds to the ANP news agency: “We perform a legal task for the Dutch government. This has become loss -making. ” The company emphasizes that it does not require state aid, but for temporary support.
The ministry declares that it does not want to anticipate current investigations into the postal market, including an investigation by the Supervisor Authority for Consumer & Market (ACM).
Read also
PostNL again provides fewer letters and asks the government for financial assistance