The Single Market: Europe's strongest competitive advantage

The EU Single Market is one of Europe's greatest achievements, but in an increasingly uncertain global environment, it must be seen as a strategic asset that can strengthen Europe's resilience, prosperity and competitiveness.

This was the central message of the EESC opinion on the implementation of the European Commission's Single Market Strategy, presented in May 2025. The Opinion explores how employers' organisations, trade unions, civil society organisations, consumer groups and local authorities can contribute more effectively to making the Single Market work in practice.

A particularly important aspect is the involvement of candidate and enlargement countries. Social partners and civil society organisations in these countries have a key role to play in supporting the implementation of Single Market principles and preparing societies for the opportunities and responsibilities that come with participation.

From beneficiaries to active contributors

The benefits of the Single Market are clear. Businesses gain access to a larger market and economies of scale. Consumers enjoy greater choice and lower prices. Workers benefit from employment opportunities, while citizens benefit from a stronger European economy.

Yet successful implementation requires ownership. Civil society organisations should move from being passive recipients of Single Market policies to becoming active contributors to their implementation. To encourage this shift, we supports new "ownership incentives", including:

• A "Single Market Ready" label;
• Preferential access to selected EU programmes;
• Recognition in public procurement procedures for companies operating across borders.

Such measures would help change the perception of the Single Market from a compliance exercise into a genuine opportunity for businesses and citizens.

Turning recommendations into action

For the Single Market Strategy to deliver tangible results, implementation must be practical and rooted in the real experiences of businesses and citizens. This requires a genuinely participatory approach, bringing together all stakeholders to identify barriers on the ground and ensure that policy solutions respond to the realities faced by those using the Single Market every day.

Particular attention should be given to SMEs through the rapid appointment of the EU SME Envoy, while greater investment in education, skills and lifelong learning is essential to help develop a new generation of economic actors who naturally operate within a European framework. The opinion also advocates the creation of a network of local "Single Market Ambassadors" drawn from chambers of commerce, business organisations, trade unions, consumer organisations and think tanks. Acting as trusted intermediaries, they could translate EU rules into practical guidance and support businesses seeking to expand across borders.

Competitiveness at the centre

Strengthening the Single Market also means ensuring that competitiveness considerations are systematically embedded in policymaking. Impact assessments should include stronger competitiveness checks, while public procurement rules should be modernised to better support growth and innovation.

The EU should continue removing practical obstacles to establishing and expanding businesses, while promoting the implementation of common rules that facilitate digitalisation and the cross-border provision of services. This effort should be supported by the systematic application of the "simplify by design" principle, ensuring that legislation and policy measures avoid unnecessary administrative burdens from the outset.

Digital tools will also play an increasingly important role. Wider use of solutions such as the European Digital Identity Wallet, the European Business Wallet, digital product passports and e-invoicing can help reduce costs, simplify compliance and support cross-border activity. At the same time, Europe must maintain a balanced approach to digital, product and liability rules, strengthening consumer trust without imposing disproportionate obligations on companies.

Finally, further progress is needed on the "fifth freedom" proposed in the Letta Report and on labour mobility within the EU. Faster, simpler and more digital recognition of professional qualifications would help unlock talent across borders and contribute to a more integrated and competitive European economy.

Conclusion

The Single Market remains the foundation of Europe's economic strength. By strengthening implementation, fostering ownership among stakeholders, engaging enlargement countries and placing competitiveness at the centre of policymaking, Europe can unlock its full potential.

By Michal Boni, EESC Employers' Group member and Rapporteur of Opinion INT/1131 Making civil society a driving force in the understanding and implementation of the Single Market Strategy.