The single market: what an economic space actually needs

More than a slogan

A single market is easiest to understand through a practical question: what would make it possible for an activity to cross a border with fewer unnecessary obstacles? The answer can involve common standards, recognition of qualifications, information systems and enforcement. Removing a visible barrier does not automatically remove every administrative or commercial difficulty.

Follow the activity

A manufacturer, a designer and a building contractor encounter different conditions. A broad claim about market access should therefore be tested against the actual good or service. Identify the seller, buyer, place of delivery and relevant rules. Avoid treating the experience of a large company with specialist staff as representative of a small business entering a market for the first time.

Measure the friction

Good reporting looks for evidence of time, cost and uncertainty. Does a reform reduce repeated paperwork? Does it clarify a requirement? Does it improve the ability to enforce an agreement? These questions are more useful than assuming that any simplification announcement has the same effect everywhere. The Commission's single-market resources provide a starting point; practical business decisions need current national and sector-specific information as well.

Keep in mind

• Specify the product or service behind a market-access claim.
• Look for evidence of reduced cost, time or uncertainty.
• Separate a common framework from the practical experience of a particular business.