Making civil society a driving force in the understanding and implementation of the Single Market Strategy

Key points

The EESC:

• considers that the effective implementation of the Single Market Strategy must be based on clear ownership of the process by civil society organisations in the broadest sense. Such broad ownership would add value to Member States’ responsibility for the development of the single market and help ensure that implementation is rooted in practical experience;
• calls for a participatory approach to guide the implementation of the Single Market Strategy. Relevant partners should be involved in identifying barriers, developing common solutions and sharing best practices. Existing mechanisms, including the Single Market Enforcement Task-Force, the Annual Single Market Enforcement Agenda and national single market contact points, should be further developed and opened up to structured stakeholder input;
• underlines that a well-functioning single market requires effective enforcement not only of market rules, but also of labour and consumer rights;
• proposes a stronger focus on education and skills as key drivers of single market ownership. the single market in education and lifelong learning would support its practical uptake and help develop a new generation of economic actors who naturally operate within a European framework;
• recommends structured and trusted cooperation based on a bottom-up model, supported by integrated networks of existing collaborative communities and partnerships. Building on the recognised role of intermediary organisations, the creation of a network of ‘single market ambassadors’ at local level could significantly increase understanding and uptake of single market opportunities;
• calls for the further development of the single market sherpa network, which should work closely with the European Commission and the European Council to ensure continuity, coordination and follow-up in the implementation of the Single Market Strategy;
• calls for the broader scope of the single market to take into account opportunities for developing the social economy;
• stresses the importance of broad and effective stakeholder involvement in preparing enlargement countries for future EU membership, particularly with regard to their gradual integration into the single market.