A single market with a social face

There’s a big talk in Brussels and in some national capitals about boosting the European single market to promote the EU’s industries and its global competitiveness. The question, however, is: for what, precisely, do we want to be competitive?

In this dossier, the Progressive Post wants to remind EU decision-makers and stakeholders that relaunching one of the cornerstones of EU integration – the single market – should not endanger but rather support other EU objectives: social and territorial cohesion, fair competition to prevent excessive market dominance, employment and climate standards, and job quality.

Reforming the single market is also about finding a European way to deliver on competitiveness. But this cannot be merely a strategy to reinforce market leaders in a few countries, as that would only deepen divergence between EU member states and increase inequalities. What is needed is a Europe that succeeds globally – and for its people!