Reference documents

External Dimensions of the Lisbon Strategy

This Communication identifies the main non-tariff barriers faced by European exporters and sets out a plan to tackle them, including through deepening regulatory co-operation with key countries and regions.

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the External Dimension of the Lisbon Strategy for growth and Jobs: Reporting on market access and setting the framework for more effective international regulatory cooperation (COM/2008/0874/final) [67 KB]

2008 Competitiveness report

The Competitiveness report examines the key factors affecting the competitiveness of EU industry, with particular focus on microeconomic issues in the Lisbon Strategy.

Communication from the Commission on the European competitiveness report 2008 (COM/2008/0774 final) [59 KB]

Small Business Act for Europe

The Act reflects the Commission's political will to recognise the central role of SMEs in the EU economy and for the first time puts into place a comprehensive SME policy framework for the EU and its Member States. It aims to improve the overall approach to entrepreneurship, to irreversibly anchor the "Think Small first" principle in policy making, from regulation to public service, and to promote SMEs' growth by helping them tackle the remaining problems which hamper their development.

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - "Think Small First" - A "Small Business Act" for Europe (COM/2008/0394 final) [100 KB]

Lisbon Strategy Report

This Communication looks at the results of the Lisbon Strategy to date and lays down the guidelines to be followed in the next phase of the strategy.

Communication from the Commission to the spring European Council - Strategic Report on the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs: launching the new cycle (2008-2010) - Keeping up the pace of change (COM/2007/0803 final)

Single Market Review

Following on from the 2007 interim report on the single market, this Communication charts the future of the single market, bringing it closer to the needs of citizens, consumers and business, adapting it to development in technology and to globalisation, and reinforcing the social and environmental dimension.

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A single market for 21st century Europe (COM/2007/0724 final) [210 KB]

The EU's renewed Market Access Strategy

This strategy for breaking down trade barriers abroad and creating new export opportunities is part of the Commission's new Global Europe trade policy framework. The centre-piece of this new approach is a decentralised partnership between the Commission, Member States and business on the ground in third countries, where local expertise makes trade barriers easier to identify and tackle.

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Global Europe: a stronger partnership to deliver market access for European exporters (COM/2007/0183 final) [52 KB]

Global Europe strategy

The policy review sets out a strategy for opening new markets abroad for EU companies and ensuring that European companies are able to compete fairly in those markets. It also commits Europe to ensuring that its own markets remain open.

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Global Europe - Competing in the world - A contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy (COM/2006/0567 final) [189 KB]