Brussels, 20/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 20 June, the European Parliament adopted, without amendment, the report by Louis Grech (S&D, Malta) on a single market that works to the benefit of consumers and citizens. “The European Commission really should take note of what really frustrates citizens and tackle these issues and find a formula that puts people at the centre of the internal market. Because, for certain, the economy has to work for the people and not the other way round,” Grech said on the S&D Group internet site. He called for a “holistic approach” which took the “social dimension” of the internal market and turned it into tangible action, “consumer protection” and creating a “more environmentally friendly economy”.
MEPs took the view that the European Commission “must produce a clear set of political priorities through the adoption of a 'Single Market Act', which should cover both legislative and non-legislative initiatives, aimed at creating a highly competitive social market and green economy”. This Act should be presented by May 2011, before the 20th anniversary of the European Union which was established by the Treaty of Maastricht. Any measure proposed should, MEPs say: - put the consumer interests and social policy at the heart of the single market; - improve consumer and SME access to e-commerce and digital markets; - support the creation of a sustainable single market; - ensure the protection of services of general economic interest; - create a strategy for better communication of the social benefits of the single market. Parliament also called on the Commission to consider adopting “a 'Citizens' Charter' encompassing the various facets of the right to live and work anywhere in the EU”. This Charter would inform citizens of the rights and advantages the single market offers them.
Over lunch on Tuesday 25 May, economy ministers will discuss the future of the single market along with Professor Monti, the author of a report on the issue (see EUROPE 10137). Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier may sketch out his initial thoughts on the relaunch of the internal market which will feature in a communication ahead of June's European Council. (M.B./transl.rt)