Denmark took a striking step on January 1, effectively ending state-run mail delivery via PostNord, a move triggered by a dramatic decline in letter volume. This decision marks a first for the continent and raises questions about the future of universal postal service across Europe, a system many consider a vital public link.
While La Poste’s revenue has increased from 22 billion euros in 2013 to 34 billion in 2023, the French postal service is grappling with a steep drop in mail volume—from 18 billion letters distributed in 2018 to a projected 5.6 billion in 2025—and budget cuts to its public service obligations, prompting calls for urgent reform from the Court of Auditors.
In France, La Poste currently fulfills four key public service missions: universal postal service with six-day-a-week delivery nationwide; maintaining a network of at least 17,000 post offices; ensuring access to basic banking services for all citizens; and distributing the press. In return, the State is obligated to provide 174 million euros annually. However, due to budget constraints, the planned public contribution for 2026 is only 130 million euros.
“La Poste is at a crossroads,” explains Stéphane Travert, president of the National Observatory of Postal Presence. “The rise of digital technology, the sharp decline in mail, increasing parcel traffic with significant competition, and the challenges of press distribution all contribute to this. For three years, I’ve been urging successive governments to consider a new postal law. We need to re-evaluate our public service missions. Does the postman need to deliver six days a week with diminishing mail volume? Should Paris Match be delivered on Thursday instead of Friday?”
While France’s postal reforms are stalled by political instability and a lack of parliamentary majority, other European nations are actively pursuing major changes. Here’s a look at some of the most significant developments.
Faced with the collapse of sending paper mail, the Twenty-Seven are forced to reinvent their public distribution services.
© /
The United Kingdom: A Dramatic Turnaround
A 500-year-old British institution changed hands in April 2025 when the Royal Mail was acquired by Czech billionaire Daniel Krestinsky for 4.1 billion euros. The British Post Office had been struggling with financial losses stemming from poor service, underinvestment in parcel delivery, and frequent strikes. Within a year, the company returned to profitability (224 million euros) thanks to a restructuring plan and relaxed delivery timelines for non-priority mail.
Denmark: A Pragmatic Exit from Mail Delivery
A revolutionary shift occurred in Denmark on January 1, as PostNord ceased responsibility for receiving and distributing mail nationwide, resulting in a workforce reduction of one-third. Over the past 25 years, letter volume in Denmark has plummeted by 90%, accelerating since 2024 with the end of the mandatory universal service obligation, opening the market to competition. The price of stamps subsequently surged, effectively ending PostNord’s role and leaving mail delivery to private providers.
Stéphane Travert visited Denmark two years ago to observe their postal practices. He concluded that “the Northern European model is not suitable for La Poste’s missions in France.” “In Denmark, the State prioritized digitization, driving up the cost of mail to nearly six euros,” Travert explained. “They then eliminated daily delivery, closed post offices (replacing them with terminals in stores), and limited postal service to island residents and the visually impaired. On January 1, they simply said, ‘deal with it.’ The French are too committed to public service to allow such a scenario.”
Germany: Local Relays for Maximum Reach
Privatized in 1995 and publicly listed since 2000, Deutsche Post has consistently achieved profitability and earned international recognition. Its success is attributed to an early focus on parcel logistics and strong partnerships with small businesses, resulting in over 25,000 customer contact points and a net profit of 3.3 billion euros in 2024. The company reduced its workforce by 8,000 positions in 2025 to offset the costs associated with declining mail volume.
Switzerland: The World’s Best Postal Service
Since 2017, the Universal Postal Union, a UN agency, has ranked global mail delivery services annually, and Switzerland consistently ranks first. This success is due to its speed and precision, integration with international systems, digital innovations, and commitment to sustainability. Despite this, the Federal Council is seeking cost reductions, as the universal delivery service costs the Swiss nearly 400 million euros each year.
Italy: A Success Story Fueled by Financial Services
Poste Italiane, still two-thirds state-owned, is experiencing robust financial health. Since its partial privatization in 2015, the company’s share value has doubled, driven by its extensive post office network and profitable financial services. Its prepaid card system, launched in 2003, has become a popular payment method, with over seven million users and 440 million euros in annual revenue, enabling the company to acquire a quarter of Telecom Italia last year.
