The functioning of the Single Market is a shared responsibility between the EU and the Member States. Differences in interpretation and application of EU law are inevitable. Despite years of hard work and substantial real progress, we appear to be some distance from having a well-functioning Single Market, free from unjustified or inappropriate obstacles to free movement.
On behalf of the European Parliament, Copenhagen Economics – together with Bruegel, CEPS and VVA Brussels – analyse and describe the current state and recent trends in the functioning of the Single Market, focusing on the free movement of goods, services and the right to establishment, digital Single Market, consumer protection and public procurement.
Although rarely outright discriminatory or protectionist, there are numerous instances of national rules and measures that restrict trade within the EU Single Market, such as:
- Requirements for national marks and certificates in manufacturing sectors
- The principle of mutual recognition remains seriously underused – authorities often fail to show an evidence-based rationale in case of refusals
- Businesses struggle to find relevant and high-quality information about applicable rules
- A lack of transparency of new national rules for service provision and establishment
- Authorisations and local content requirements in the retail sector
On 11 January 2021, our Senior economist Erik Dahlberg will present the study for the European Parliament’s IMCO committee on 11 January 2021 (detailed timing TBD).
For further information, please contact Senior Economist Erik Dahlberg