The EU single market is one of our greatest collective achievements. Now at almost 30 years old it presents unrealised opportunities that will come from further liberalisation of market barriers, a re-energised services agenda and the huge economic, societal, environmental and wellbeing gains of digital; identified by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the EU’s ‘make-or-break issue’.
In the aftermath of COVID-19 and the challenges it has presented, Europe must avoid any temptation to become inward-looking and recognise that a truly harmonised single market and digital single market without barriers presents boundless opportunities for economic recovery and future growth.
The pandemic has accelerated the economic and societal importance of further digitally enabled transformation of member states, public services, enterprise, and human interaction across the EU by several years. Digital leadership is critical for Europe’s recovery and resilience. Embracing further technological change presents both opportunities and challenges. While progress is being made, the EU must not be complacent as much more needs to be done.
The EU must focus on policies which foster competitiveness. Such as:
- Re-imagine the EU single market of the future;
- Lead a digital decade that is open for business;
- Safeguard trust in further digital transformation; and
- Create the right conditions to unlock future digital opportunities.
Navigate the Headwinds
European
economies and societies are facing into challenging headwinds, including
health, environmental, energy and inflationary pressures, and the ongoing
military aggression against Ukraine. Digital leadership and partnership with
enterprise and likeminded international partners are important to EU resilience
and navigating these headwinds. Our recommendations outline how this can
be achieved.