Single Market Enforcement Observatory

The Single Market Enforcement Observatory (SMEO) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) was established in 2025 in response to the growing importance of effective implementation and enforcement of single market rules across the European Union.

The creation of the Observatory reflects the relevance of single market enforcement for businesses, workers, consumers and citizens in general, and the need to ensure that EU legislation delivers tangible benefits on the ground. It aims to align with, support and contribute to the work undertaken by the European Commission in this field, most notably in the context of the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce (SMET), while bringing the perspective of organised civil society into the policy debate.

By monitoring enforcement challenges, identifying barriers and good practices, and fostering dialogue among stakeholders, the Observatory seeks to strengthen trust in the single market and improve its functioning.

In carrying out its activities, the Observatory will take into account the key challenges and priorities identified in the latest Single Market Strategy, including issues related to compliance gaps, fragmentation, administrative burdens and the practical application of EU rules across Member States.

It will aim at developing recommendations to support better compliance, more consistent application of EU rules and a level playing field across Member States.