The internal market of the European Union
The internal market, with free movement of goods, services, capital and people, is one of the cornerstones of EU cooperation. Efforts to develop the EU internal market and the basis that it provides for external trade policy are very important for the promotion of exports and imports. Clear regulations and conditions facilitate trade and contribute to increased growth and economic development in Sweden and the EU.
"The internal market serves as a springboard for our companies and provides benefits for the consumer in terms of better and safer goods and services that represent better value for money. The ongoing review of the internal market provides an excellent opportunity to eliminate the weaknesses that remain, dismantle trade barriers and harness the full potential of the internal market," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
The internal market encompasses the EU Member States plus the European Economic Area (EEA) countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The internal market project aims to achieve open trade, dismantle trade barriers, promote competition and improve regulations in the interests of both companies and consumers. The internal market should offer concrete advantages in the form of a greater choice of goods and services at competitive prices without resulting in unnecessary and negative effects on the environment and people's health. It should be easy to move capital across national borders and people must naturally be able to move freely for study or work without any unnecessary or complicated obstacles.
In the Council of Ministers, which meets in nine different configurations, internal market issues are dealt with by the Competitiveness Council.
Current issues
The Commission submitted its contribution to the review of the internal market in November 2007. The Commission's review package contains proposals for sectoral initiatives (both legislative and non-legislative) and for new working methods for the internal market. One aim of the review is to improve communication with citizens and highlight the advantages and results of EU efforts.
Efforts to improve the free movement of goods are currently under way in the form of the 'Goods Package'. Sweden and other Member States are also working to implement the EU Services Directive, which aims to make it easier for service companies to establish themselves and provide services on a temporary basis in the internal market, and enhance consumers' rights.
Facts about the EU internal market
- 30 countries (the EU Member States plus the EEA countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)
- 500 million consumers
- 20 million companies
- Combined GDP 2006: EUR 11 860 billion
- Around 80 per cent of Sweden's imports come from the internal market
- Around 70 per cent of Sweden's exports go to the internal market
