The EU single market
The single market is one of the EU’s greatest successes, but EU Member States can do more to remove many unjustified trade barriers and deepen cooperation. Working towards this goal is a high priority for the Swedish Presidency.
The single market is the world’s largest and most integrated trading bloc. The EU single market consists of the economies of all 27 Member States as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and guarantees the free cross-border movement of goods, services, capital and people. This means, for example, that companies do not usually have to pay customs duties or other charges to trade with other EU countries. Whether you are a student or in working life, it is just as easy to move to another EU country as it is to move within your own country.
The single market celebrates its 30th anniversary in January 2023. Over the years, many technical, legal and administrative barriers to free trade and free movement between EU Member States have been removed. There are still, however, a number of unjustified barriers that make life difficult for companies and people. The Swedish Presidency will continue to advance efforts to abolish cross-border trade barriers and work to ensure that new ones are not created.
A stronger services market
The services market is important for the whole of the EU’s economy and competitiveness, especially in the light of the green and digital transitions. EU trade in services is increasing at the same time as the boundaries between goods and services are disappearing. There are still major barriers to trade in services within the single market. One example of a trade barrier is when a country imposes different requirements on companies wanting to set up operations and provide services depending on whether they come from the country in question or another EU country. The fact that EU Member States are not complying with existing rules is also a problem.
The Swedish Presidency will work to ensure a more harmonised services market with fewer trade barriers.
An internal market better equipped to deal with emergencies
The COVID-19 pandemic hindered free movement within the internal market, resulting in a shortage of certain goods and services, not least medical equipment. The European Commission has therefore proposed a Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) to ensure free movement and preserve the availability of goods and services in the event of future emergencies. The proposed SMEI was first discussed in the Council of the European Union during the Czech Presidency and will continue to be addressed during the first half of 2023.
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A sustainable and harmonised internal market for products
A circular economy is an important tool for bringing about the green transition, and more and more Member States are drawing up rules to make products more sustainable. In March 2022, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the aim of which is to achieve the EU’s environmental and climate ambitions and also strengthen competitiveness and harmonise the internal market for sustainable products. During the Swedish Presidency, negotiations on the proposal will continue in the Council.
Ban on products made by forced labour
In February 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal to prohibit products wholly or partially made, produced, harvested or extracted by forced labour. The proposal bans such products from being made in the EU as well as from being imported into, or exported from, the Union.
The proposal also prohibits the export of products made by forced labour. The definition of ‘forced labour’ is based on the International Labour Organization’s definition and includes child forced labour. The operations of companies can influence human rights and they play a key role in building a sustainable economy and society. The Swedish Presidency will work to advance the negotiations in the Council.
More information
The Competitiveness Council
The Council of the EU’s work on the internal market takes place in the Competitiveness Council. Find out more about its work and upcoming meetings on the Council website: