Source: European Union Press Release

Edited Press Release - In an interim report to the Spring European Council, the Commission reviews the achievements of the last twenty years and sets out the way ahead to deliver further benefits for citizens and business, and contribute to a more competitive and sustainable Europe. It will be concluded by a final report with proposals for action this autumn.

Since the Commission launched its single market initiative in 1985, the European Union has come a long way in turning the four freedoms - the free movement of people, goods, services and capital - into reality. This has brought major gains for European citizens and businesses. Building on these achievements, the report sets out a vision for the single market of the 21st century and highlights the main directions to make it work better in the interest of: 

  • citizens and consumers: more can be done to improve confidence in the quality of products and services and to pass on the gains accrued from the single market to consumers.
  • an integrated economy: the spread of the Euro, the move towards a single European labour market and the integration of network industries should contribute to the further integration of the EU economy, making it easier for individuals and companies to engage in cross-border activities.
  • a knowledge society: the single market should increasingly focus on making markets for knowledge- and technology-intensive goods and services work better and stimulate higher levels of innovation.
  • a well-regulated Europe: the dismantling of barriers went hand in hand with the establishment of new rules. The benefits of the single market will be limited if the rules are not correctly applied, and if the rights created are not satisfactorily upheld and redressed.
  • a sustainable Europe: recognising the social and environmental aspects of the single market are key conditions for gaining public confidence, and they are both investments in Europe's future quality of life.
 The Commission proposes that the focus of the single market should shift from its initial emphasis of removing barriers to cross-border trade to one of ensuring that markets function better, to the benefits of citizens and business.