30 years of the EU single market: statement by IMCO Chair Anna Cavazzini
The anniversary of the single market is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and address new challenges.
The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee Chair, Anna Cavazzini, issued the following statement:
"Today marks the 30th anniversary of the single market. In the last three decades, the internal market has become indispensable to our daily lives: We naturally work and live across borders, benefit from roaming, the same high level of consumer protection and soon a common charger for our mobile devices. However, in the midst of multiple crises, it has become clear that we cannot take its success for granted. We need to update our common rules to turn it into a life jacket for businesses and consumers.
With each crisis, the single market has evolved. It has proven to be a catalyst for European integration. On the 30th anniversary of the single market, we again need to take a bold step forward. The single market has to become a tool to implement our policy goals and values, from fighting the climate crisis to defending our democracy online. High consumer, social and environmental standards in turn is what makes our market so attractive globally. Businesses will profit from European standards that will become a global yardstick."
Background
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. It ensures free movement of goods, services, capital and persons in a single EU internal market and is considered one of the EU’s greatest achievements. A resolution on the 30th anniversary of the EU single market, will be adopted by Parliament during the January plenary session, following a debate with Council and Commission.