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

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

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

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 event will highlight the central role the European Parliament has played in the development of the Single Market - not only as an economic achievement, but as a political and social project that strengthens the bonds among Europeans. It will blend historical insight, present-day legislative action, and stakeholder engagement to offer a unique platform to reaffirm the EU’s unity.

This conference, which will be opened by President Roberta Metsola, marks the launch of an exciting and innovative project titled 1979-2029: 50 Years of Direct Elections to the European Parliament: Unveiling the Soul of the European Parliament and Bringing to Life the People and the Moments that Shaped its History.  A curated selection of biannual thematic activities to celebrate the European Parliament’s direct elections and the EU’s impact on key political areas

Conference on Building the EU's Single Market and the Euro

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: time to accelerate the process to deepen market integration

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 - Single Market: how to move from an incomplete single market to one market for one Europe

EP Plenary session - Time to complete a fully integrated Single Market: Europe’s key to growth and future prosperity

IMCO public hearing ' Single Market Strategy '

EP Plenary session - Savings and Investments Union

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

At the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government in Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus (in its capacity as the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union), together with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, signed the "One Europe, One Market Roadmap". The agreement reflects a shared commitment by the three institutions to work collectively on a defined set of priorities. In light of ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges, the Roadmap outlines specific measures aimed at strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, with implementation targets set for completion by the end of 2027.

Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government in Nicosia (Cyprus) - Signing ceremony of the "One Europe, One Market Roadmap" - Joint declaration of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission: extracts

Building the EU's Single Market and the Euro event highlight the central role the European Parliament has played in the development of the Single Market - not only as an economic achievement, but as a political and social project that strengthens the bonds among Europeans. It will blend historical insight, present-day legislative action, and stakeholder engagement to offer a unique platform to reaffirm the EU’s unity. Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, opens the conference and delivers a speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Building the EU's Single Market and the Euro: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

This News item shows extracts from the conference "Building the EU's Single Market and the Euro" with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Marc ANGEL, EP Quaestor and Jean-Claude TRICHET, Former European Central Bank President and Viviane REDING, former European Commission Vice President. The conference showcases the European Parliament’s leadership in advancing the Single Market as an economic, political, and social project. Combining historical insight, legislative action, and stakeholder dialogue, it reaffirms the EU’s unity and resilience in times of disruption.

Conference "Building the EU's Single Market and the Euro" with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Marc ANGEL, EP Quaestor, Jean-Claude TRICHET, Former European Central Bank President and Viviane REDING, former European Commission Vice President: extracts

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, gives her first State of the European Union address during a debate in the European Parliament since being re-elected. In her speech, Ursula von der LEYEN outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this part of her speech, she notably speaks about competitiveness, single market and AI. She also asks to move fast on the Circular Economy Act and proposes an Industrial Accelerator Act for the key strategic sectors and technologies. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 4 - Economic competitiveness and Innovation)

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

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