Single Market Strategy

Key points

The EESC:

• fully supports the priorities identified by the Commission, which respond to the challenges raised by stakeholders;
• reiterates that regulatory simplification must take place with full respect for social and workers’ rights. It is therefore essential that European and national parliaments and social partners be structurally involved from the early stages of the legislative process;
• intends to contribute more actively to the governance of the single market, including by assuming a strengthened role within the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce (SMET) process;
• calls on the Commission to put forward legislative proposals to address territorial supply constraints and to harmonise product labelling;
• welcomes the Commission’s announcement of a proposal for an optional ‘28th regime’ for businesses, but underlines the need for effective safeguards against potential abuses;
• recognises the key role of standardisation as a driver of integration and innovation, but stresses the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and structured participation;
• supports simplifying the recognition of professional qualifications, including for third-country nationals, but qualifications must be clearly defined, verifiable and of proven quality;
• supports strengthening the European Labour Authority (ELA);
• calls for the scope of the single market to be extended to strategic sectors such as energy and finance. It underlines the need for an inclusive governance, and calls for the revision of public procurement legislation. At the same time, appropriate ways should be found to take into account social, environmental and innovation objectives. 

For more information, please contact the INT Section Secretariat.