European Union struggles to agree Single Market reforms
Updated
Updated · International Policy Digest · May 2
European Union struggles to agree Single Market reforms
11 articles · Updated · International Policy Digest · May 2
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has set a 2028 deadline, while European Parliament research estimates reforms could add €2.8tn to the economy by 2032.
Analyses by former Italian prime ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi say fragmentation still hampers finance, energy and banking union, with Germany among governments accused of blocking progress.
Debate now spans tougher enforcement, more uniform EU regulations, António Costa's red-tape push and France's divisive Buy European plan, as Brussels faces criticism for slow, opaque decision-making.
Is the EU's new plan to cut red tape already dead on arrival?
With €33 trillion in household wealth, why can't Europe fund its own growth?
Can Europe protect its strategic industries without fracturing its own Single Market?
Breaking the Veto Trap: Can the EU Meet Its 2027 Single Market Reform Goals?
Overview
The EU's 2026-2027 reform push centers on the 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap, aiming to remove the 'Terrible Ten' barriers that fragment the Single Market and hinder growth. Despite clear targets and some member states prioritizing key obstacles, deep political resistance and the unanimity voting rule create a gridlock, slowing progress. External pressures like US-China competition and nearby conflicts make these reforms urgent, as a stronger Single Market is vital for Europe's economic security and strategic autonomy. While consensus-driven enforcement is favored over slow legal actions, success depends on overcoming national sovereignty concerns. Without timely reform, the EU risks investment loss, innovation stagnation, and increased dependence on external suppliers.