Brussels, 02/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - European Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy recalled in a speech before the Deutsche Post Group, on 23 November in Brussels, the venture that the liberalisation of postal markets would be for European competitiveness. He also announced that 2006 would be a decisive year for completion of the internal market for postal services in the run up to 2009. The Commissioner explained that, “at the crossroads of communication, advertising and transport, these services (…) are a key industry”. He hoped that “open and sustainable postal markets with top quality service will help growth, employment and competitiveness”. Progress has been accomplished over recent years, Mr McCreevy acknowledges, saying that the opening up of postal services to competition by 20098 is a realistic goal for all Member States. In this context, the Commission hopes to present a legislative proposal during 2006. Public on-line consultation was launched in November this year (see EUROPE 9068) and the Commission services are currently working on a study for analysing the impact of total market opening for postal services in each Member States. Aware of the emotional side of the debate - “given the social nature of postal services ad the number of people concerned” - Mr McCreevy plans to pay special attention to the individual situation of each Member State.