Policy

Single market

In the EU’s single market (sometimes called the internal market) people, goods, services, and money can move around freely. Mutual recognition guarantees that any product lawfully sold in one EU country can be sold in all others. EU citizens can study, live, shop, work and retire in any EU country - and enjoy products from all over Europe.

Page Contents

Policies

  • Single market for goods

    The EU wants to ensure the free movement of goods within its borders, and set high safety standards for consumers and the protection of the environment.

  • Single market for services

    The EU tries to eliminate obstacles to trade, remove red tape and strengthen consumer rights.

  • Capital markets union

    The capital markets union will create a more integrated capital market in the EU, and a more diversified financial system, unlocking capital in Europe.

  • European standards

    European standards affect the competitiveness of industry, innovation, the working of the single market, and environmental protection and human health.

  • Tackling barriers to trade

    The EU is working to prevent trade barriers created by new or changing technical regulations in different countries.

  • European market for space data

    The Copernicus programme provides data on Earth's environment, and emergency and crisis situations, which is then transformed into added-value information.

  • Public procurement

    EU rules make the procedures for awarding public-procurement contracts transparent and open to all EU companies.