Finland proposes new horizontal EU Single Market strategy

Together with 14 other Member States, Finland has published views on the development of the EU Single Market in the coming years. The European Commission and EU Member States agree that the Single Market faces increasing expectations, including due to the digital and green transitions.

The non-paper prepared under Finland’s leadership focuses on strengthening the EU’s long-term competitiveness. In practice, this would be done through the EU’s strengths, including a well-functioning Single Market. 

Debate on the development of the Single Market is now topical. Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy, is preparing a report on the EU Single Market to be presented to the European Council in March 2024.  At the same time, the EU is already preparing for the term of the next Commission starting in the autumn of 2024. 

“Finland, together with other Member States, wants to contribute to ensuring that the new Commission puts the strengthening of the Single Market at the top of its agenda. A unified Single Market is in the interests of Finland and Europe as a whole when competing in global markets. The development of the Single Market requires concrete actions, and commitment to the work is needed from all Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission,” says Arto Satonen, Minister of Employment. 

The non-paper also contains detailed proposals in seven policy areas. 

Action is needed to develop the market and the regulatory environment

Finland emphasises the importance of a stable and future-proof operating environment. The administrative burden of regulation should also be reduced. Therefore, before submitting new proposals, it is important to assess the impact of the proposed legislation on businesses, as well as its interoperability with existing regulation.  

In many respects, action is also needed to ensure that Member States implement, apply and make uniform use of EU regulation. EU regulation of goods should focus on preventing the fragmentation of the single market.

Finland and other Member States point out that work is needed, especially in the services sector, to strengthen the single market. Attention should be paid, inter alia, to the implementation of existing rules and to assessing the necessity, non-discrimination and proportionality of authorisation schemes for services. 

The non-paper emphasises that digital solutions can promote cross-border activities and reduce burdens. In addition, action is needed to ensure data interoperability. 

Inquiries:

Isabella Paju, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 29 504 7437, [email protected]