The European Commission has published a report on the implementation of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The German postal service, Deutsche Post, plans to raise postage rates for letters starting in January 2027. The price for standard letters will increase from 95 cents to 1.15 euros, according to the company. This represents an increase of more than 20 percent. Other items such as postcards, compact letters, large letters, and maxibriefs will also become more expensive, subject to approval from the Federal Network Agency. The proposed rate hike comes amid declining letter volumes and rising operational costs. According to Nikola Hagleitner, head of the Post and Parcel division at Deutsche Post, the number of letters sent in Germany has dropped significantly over the years while personnel, energy, and material costs have risen. In 2005, nearly 16.9 billion letters were sent, compared to just under 9.4 billion in 2025. Deutsche Post stated that maintaining a nationwide network of mailboxes and branches requires continued investment. With fewer letters passing through this infrastructure, the cost per letter inevitably increases. The company noted that its current postage rates remain well below the European average, with the standard letter costing 1.52 euros on average elsewhere in Europe. The planned increase includes raising the cost of sending a postcard from 95 cents to 1.15 euros. Compact letters weighing up to 50 grams would cost 1.25 euros, an increase of 15 cents. Large letters would see their price rise by 55 cents to 2.35 euros, while maxibriefs would go up by 2.10 euros to 5 euros. The cost of registered mail remains unchanged. International standard letters would also see a 20-cent increase to 1.45 euros. The Federal Network Agency has set a maximum allowable increase of 20.35 percent for postage rates for private customers and business mail. Deutsche Post aims to fully utilize this range. The agency had previously announced that the volume of all letters expected to be sent in 2027 and 2028 would allow for a 20.35 percent increase in revenue from letter delivery. The increase for the standard letter amounts to 21.05 percent, slightly above the overall limit. For compact letters, the increase is lower at 13.64 percent. The Post explained that the different rates reflect varying usage patterns among different types of mail. The agency is still reviewing whether Deutsche Post's proposed rates fall within the allowed range. The decision to raise prices is attributed to the shift towards digital communication. Fewer people and businesses are using traditional mail, opting instead for emails and messaging apps. This trend is expected to continue, potentially accelerating the transition away from physical mail. Deutsche Post emphasized that it continues to invest heavily in its postal and parcel networks, including electric vehicles and automated systems. Annual investments amount to around one billion euros. Despite the increase, the cost of sending a letter remains relatively low compared to other countries. The impact on consumers is expected to be modest. Private households spend approximately four euros per month on postal and parcel services, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The additional monthly cost due to the new rates would be around 75 cents. Businesses may also pass on increased costs to consumers. The proposed changes also affect package deliveries. While specific details have not yet been disclosed, the Federal Network Agency has approved an almost 11 percent increase in package postage for private customers. Business mail will also see price hikes. Approval from the Federal Network Agency is still pending. The agency had indicated last week that it had proposed a permissible price increase range. It is currently assessing whether Deutsche Post’s proposals fall within this range. Once approved, the new postage rates will take effect in 2027 and apply until 2028.