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 '

MEPs debate on Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens following the address by Enrico Letta, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market. 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.

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

Enrico LETTA, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market, addresses the hemicycle and introduces his report ‘Much More Than a Market’. 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 is followed by a debate among MEPs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report ‘Much More Than a Market’: Address by Enrico Letta, EU Rapporteur on the future of the Single Market

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, addresses the hemicycle and introduces the report ‘Much More Than a Market’ written by Enrico Letta. 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 is followed by a debate among MEPs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the report ‘Much More Than a Market’: Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

This news item shows extracts from the debate of MEPs with the European Commission's president, following the conclusions of the last European Council's meetings. In particular highlights of the discussion are on the EU’s competitiveness and its strategic agenda on Capital Markets Union, Energy infrastructure and Trade for the next 5 years.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: extracts from the debate

MEPs vote on the following topics: 30th Anniversary of the Single Market, Consumer protection in online video games: a European Single Market approach - Adriana MALDONADO LÓPEZ (S&D, ES), Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 - David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Implementation of the common security and defence policy - annual report 2022 - Tom VANDENKENDELAERE (EPP, BE), Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter - annual report 2022 - Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU).

Voting session including 30th the resolution on the Anniversary of the Single Market, the report on the Consumer protection in online video games and the report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy

MEPs debate on the 30th anniversary of the EU single market. Since its creation in 1993, the single market has helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, creating jobs and fuelling growth across the EU. It is, according to the draft resolution, the “engine of European integration and the backbone of its economy”. Closing statements by Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Europe fit for the Digital Age, and Commissioner for Competition and by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs.

30th Anniversary of the Single Market: closing statements by Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs

MEPs debate on the 30th anniversary of the EU single market. Since its creation in 1993, the single market has helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, creating jobs and fuelling growth across the EU. It is, according to the draft resolution, the “engine of European integration and the backbone of its economy”.

30th Anniversary of the Single Market: MEPs debate (part 1)

30th Anniversary of the Single Market: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the 30th anniversary of the EU single market. Since its creation in 1993, the single market has helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, creating jobs and fuelling growth across the EU. It is, according to the draft resolution, the “engine of European integration and the backbone of its economy”. Opening statements by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairsby Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.

30th Anniversary of the Single Market: opening statements by Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs by Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the European Single Market which allows, since 1993, the free movement of goods, capitals and services across all the EU Member States. Introductory speeches by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for European Affairs, Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Europe fit for the Digital Age, and Commissioner for Competition and by Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the EP Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO Committee).

Ceremony on the 30th Anniversary of the Single Market: opening speeches by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Jessika ROSWALL, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the EU Commission

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

This infoclip shows editing shots to illustrate the voting sessions of the 9th term in the European Parliament in Brussels.

European Parliament Stockshots: editing shots of the voting sessions

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - EU recovery instrument

David SASSOLI, EP President, and Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, on behalf of the Presidency of the Council, participate in a Lex signing ceremony, in the European Parliament in Brussels. The six COD LEX texts concern: Horizon Europe programme - Dan NICA (S&D,RO); European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ (S&D, LT); Rights and Values programme - Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE); Justice programme - Katarina BARLEY (S&D,DE) / Heidi HAUTALA (Greens/EFA, FI); Single Market programme - Brando BENIFEI (S&D,IT); Space programme - Massimiliano SALINI (EPP, IT).

LEX signing ceremony: signature by David SASSOLI, EP President and Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate the Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, the area of plants, animals, food and feed and European statistics (Single Market Programme) 2021-2027. Closing statement by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Single Market Programme 2021-2027: closing statement by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate the Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, the area of plants, animals, food and feed and European statistics (Single Market Programme) 2021-2027. Opening statements by Brando BENIFEI (S&D, IT), rapporteur and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Single Market Programme 2021-2027: opening statements by Brando BENIFEI (S&D, IT), rapporteur and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate the Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, the area of plants, animals, food and feed and European statistics (Single Market Programme) 2021-2027.

Single Market Programme 2021-2027: MEPs debate

Radan KANEV (EPP, BG), Rapporteur of the EP Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), gives a statement on the impacts of EU rules on the free movement of workers and services. The report focuses on various issues regarding the EU labour market, such as working conditions for mobile workers, seasonal workers and cross-border workers. It also touches on problems that are exposed due to COVID-19 and requests a harmonization of the EU legislation in the field.

Impacts of EU rules on the free movement of workers and services: statement by Radan KANEV (EPP, BG), Rapporteur, at the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

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