The single market is one of the most important achievements of European integration and one of its main drivers. Established on 1 January 1993, the single market allows goods, services, people and capital to move freely within the European Union. Since its creation, the single market has stimulated trade and increased the EU’s importance as a global trading partner. It makes life easier for citizens and boosts growth and competition by creating new opportunities for European businesses.

Thirty years of the European single market: achievements and future challenges

Recent shocks have shown not only how vulnerable to crises the single market is, but also the extent to which the EU economy relies on a well-functioning single market. To protect it, the European Commission put forward a single market emergency instrument (SMEI) package. The main proposal establishes measures for contingency planning, such as an early warning system. If a wide-ranging crisis hits the single market, an 'emergency mode' could be triggered.

EPRS podcast policy - Protecting the single market in future crises

An efficient and modern public system is a pre-condition for smart societies and economies. But how do we foster public sector innovation? The EU doesn’t have a direct role here, but it can definitely provide direction! So, stay with us… as we spell out a new vision for the public sector in Europe!

EPRS policy podcast - Public sector innovation: Concepts, trends and best practices

As more and more European countries went into lockdown, trade within the EU and the foundations of its single market were hit hard! The EU was quick to respond, but the effects of the pandemic on both European and world economies will be deep and long-lasting…

EPRS policy podcast - Single market and the pandemic: Impacts, EU action and recovery

Since its creation in 1993, the single market has helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, fuelling jobs and growth across the EU. In 2023, the EU commemorated&nbsp;the 30th anniversary since its creation.&nbsp;

Three decades since its creation,&nbsp;&nbsp;MEPs called for renewed commitment and political will from member states and EU institutions, as well as a specific action plan for 2030 and beyond, in order to further strengthen and develop the single market, especially in areas such as services, energy, telecommunications and the digital single market.

The single market is generally considered to be the cornerstone of the EU economy and one of the greatest achievements of the European Union. Comprising nearly 450 million people and 20 million enterprises, it constitutes the largest integrated market in the world, worth €14 trillion in 2018.

The free movement of persons, goods, services and capital is the pillar on which the single market is built. The cross-border movement of the first three has been severely affected by the pandemic of Covid-19. Soon after its outbreak, the majority of Member States reintroduced internal border controls on grounds of an immediate threat to public health. These have been accompanied by restrictions or bans on international passenger transport and bans on entry and exit.&nbsp;

Single market

Multiple studies have measured the effects of the single market on the EU economy. Quantifications of the benefits vary, but are overwhelmingly positive. A 2019 study suggested that EU citizens' per capita welfare gains from the single market amount to €840 annually. Also in 2019, the European Commission estimated that, mainly due to the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, EU GDP is 8-9% higher than if the single market did not exist.

Single market - 8th parliamentary term

On 1 and 2 October, EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss foreign affairs, in particular relations with Turkey and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The leaders are also expected to address relations with China, the situation in Belarus and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. The single market, industrial policy and digital transformation are also on the agenda

The summit, initially planned for 24 and 25 September, has been postponed as President Michel is in quarantine.

Special European Council, 1-2 October 2020

The Parliament looks into strategies to modernise the EU’s single market and support employees while ensuring inclusive growth and competitiveness. Enrico Letta presents his report on strengthening the EU’s internal market, with a focus on supporting a fair digital and green transition, security, fostering jobs, cohesion and the social dimension. Letta’s presentation will be followed by a debate among MEPs.

Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens

EP Plenary session - Savings and Investments Union

Over the past 30 years the single market has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans.

30 years of EU single market: benefits and challenges

EP Plenary session - Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens

EP Plenary session - Address by Enrico Letta - Presentation of the report ‘Much more than a Market’

IMCO - Report on the Future of the Single Market

Article 17 dialogue on The 30th Anniversary of the EU Single Market

EP Plenary session - Topical debate : A truly interconnected Energy Single Market to keep bills down and companies competitive

IMCO Public Hearing ' 30th anniversary of the Single Market '

EP plenary session - Single Market package

Press  conference on ' The 25 anniversary of the Single Market '

During the plenary session (14-17 September 2020) in the European Parliament in Brussels, Ursula VON DER LEYEN delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU 2020) before the MEPs. In the third part of her speech she focused on strenghtening the internal single market and new goals of the Green Deal. On the latest the Commission is proposing to increase the 2030 targets for emission reduction to at least 55 percent. Thirdly, but not less important is the strategy on digitization: a new European law in this field which will tackle the issue of control of personal data, and a proposal for a new secure digital identity. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Part 3/5 - State of the European Union debate: Opening statement by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission (Single Market, Green Deal, Digital Agenda)

During the plenary session (12-15/11/18) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate and vote on empowering competition authorities and ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market. Statements by Andreas SCHWAB (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Margrethe VESTAGER, Member of the EC in charge of Competition, and Jasenko SELIMOVIC (ALDE, SE).

Empowering competition authorities and ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market: extracts from the debate (13/11) and from the vote

This infoclip shows images of a supermarket in Estonia (Tallinn), branded products like fish fingers and cosmetics, and their list of ingredients.

Infoclip: Dual quality of products in the Single Market (Estonia)

This infoclip shows images of a supermarket in Croatia (Zagreb), branded products (chocolate spread, hamburgers, coffee, cosmetics and laundry detergents) and their list of ingredients. Also a family preparing dinner, eating and washing laundry.

Infoclip: Dual quality of products in the Single Market (Croatia)

During the meeting of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), MEPs vote on the report by Olga SEHNALOVÁ (S&D, CZ) on dual quality of products in the Single Market. Extracts from the vote and from the statement by the rapporteur.

Dual quality of products in the Single Market: extracts from the vote and from the statement by Olga SEHNALOVÁ (S&D, CZ), rapporteur

During the EP plenary session (15-18 January 2018) in Strasbourg, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT (ECR, BE), Chair of the EP Internal Market Committee, expresses herself in front of the press on the 25 anniversary of the Single Market.

Press conference by Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT (ECR, BE), Chair of the EP Internal Market Committee, on the 25 anniversary of the Single Market

This archive stockshot aims to illustrate the free circulation of products on the EU market.

Infoclip: Free circulation of products in the Single Market

This Memoclip presents : - Soundbite (French) Jacques DELORS, EC President, Presentation of the new Delors Commission, EP, Strasbourg (France) - 14/01/1985 - Soundbite (French) Jacques DELORS, EC President, 14/01/1985, Interview - Soundbite (French) Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, interview on the occasion of the European Council of Milan, Milan (Italy) - 27/06/1985 - Soundbite (French) Gaston THORN, Former EC President, statement during a meeting of the European Federalists, Milan (Italy) - Francis Arthur COCKFIELD, EC Member, Presentation of the white paper on the Internal Market, EP, Strasbourg - 14/01/1986 - Views of empty borders in Belgium, Germany and France (1989)

Memoclip: Single Market - Historical statements

A joint parliamentary meeting takes place in the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss how should Europe respond to the challenges of the crisis.

Beyond the crisis: How should Europe respond the challenges ahead?: extracts from the joint parliamentary meeting

Statements by Vincent VAN QUICKENBORNE, Belgian Minister, Michel BARNIER, European Commissioner on Internal Market Malcolm HARBOUR (ECR, UK), Chair of the Internal Market and C and Louis GRECH (S&D, MT) after the Single Market Forum at the Committee Consumer Protection, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Single Market Forum: statements

In a joint meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs and MPs from all EU Member States debated on single energy market, sustainable production and security of energy supply. Concluding remarks by

Towards a European Energy Community: extracts from the concluding remarks

In a joint meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs and MPs from all EU Member States debated on single energy market, sustainable production and security of energy supply. Opening statements by Jerzy BUZEK, José BONO MARTINEZ, President of the Spansh Congress of Deputies, Javier ROJO GARCIA, President of the Spanish Senate.

Towards a European Energy Community: opening statements by Jerzy BUZEK, José BONO MARTINEZ, President of the Spansh Congress of Deputies, Javier ROJO GARCIA, President of the Spanish Senate

In a joint meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs and MPs from all EU Member States debated on single energy market, sustainable production and security of energy supply. Statements by M. A. MASTROMAURO, Member of the Italian parliament, P. LEQUILLER, Member of the French parliament, F. CASOLI, Member of the Italian senate and A. GAJDUSKOVA, Member of the Czech senate.

Towards a European Energy Community: extract from the joint parliamentary meeting

Mario MONTI, Professor of Bocconi University, presents his report on relaunching the Single Market to Members of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) in presence of Jerzy BUZEK, EP President, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Re-launching of the Single Market: extracts from the statements by Mario MONTI and Jerzy BUZEK, EP President

The event "Towards a European Energy Community" takrs place in the European Parliament in Brussels. In a joint meeting in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs and MPs from all EU Member States debated on single energy market, sustainable production and security of energy supply.

Towards a European Energy Community: extract from the event

This Memoclip illustrates the outcomes of the Treaty of Rome: single market, free movement of goods, capital, services and people and common policies

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