The internal market (also referred to as the Single Market; SM) - an area of free movement for goods, people, services and capital - is at the heart of the European project since its inception and has been further developed since 1993 by the consolidation of economic integration, the introduction of common currency and solidarity and cohesion policies. A well-functioning integrated European single market is a fundamental process to further European integration, social cohesion, economic growth and sustainable development within the Union aimed at creating ‘an ever closer union among the European people’ preventing its citizens and Member States from reengaging in conflict. Twenty years after the launch of the European Single Market (SM) a number of shortcomings prevail as highlighted by Mario Monti in 'A New Strategy for the Single Market' and by IMCO report on Delivering a single market to consumers and citizens. IMCO has been very active.
Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP