Brussels, 29/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Express Association (EEA) welcomed the "decision taken by Member States this weekend in Stockholm to put the debate on Postal Services firmly back on the agenda and to guarantee a Directive by the end of 2001". It considers it is "vital" that a regulatory framework, with a clear scope and a final date, be established for further liberalisation of postal services, to the benefit of consumers, product quality, innovation and the business environment. The express delivery industry employs around 400,000 in Europe, in companies ranging from large multinationals to small city couriers. EEA states that the number of jobs within the companies it represents went from 18,000 in 1989 to 100,000 this year.