Source: European Parliament
Question for oral answer O-000012/2025
to the Commission
Rule 142
Anna Cavazzini
on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Parliament underscores the pivotal role of the single market in fostering European economic integration, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Despite its successes, persistent barriers and new challenges call for targeted and pragmatic reforms. Among others, these challenges are: market fragmentation, high administrative burden and compliance costs, inconsistent enforcement of EU laws and lack of resources allocated to this, unjustified obstacles to the free movement of goods and services, access to basic public goods under pressure, and investment gaps in digital innovation and environmental adaptation that increase economic inequalities within the EU. The rapid expansion of digital platforms and e-commerce has introduced new market dynamics. Evolving trends in global e-commerce and the restructuring of supply chains exert additional pressure on customs controls, market surveillance and consumer protection authorities, necessitating a reinforced single market. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure a level playing field, enhance competitiveness, safeguard consumer protection and maintain the single market’s integrity.
- 1.How will the forthcoming new single market strategy address the risks to the single market’s integrity that are caused by geopolitical tensions, climate change, challenges to EU competitiveness and economic disparities?
- 2.What specific reforms does the Commission envisage to reduce both market fragmentation and administrative burdens in some specific sectors? Does it envisage targeted proposals to improve the consistency of EU law enforcement across Member States, including through a simplified, harmonised framework?
- 3.There has been a rise in awareness regarding instances where goods and services offer less in terms of quantity or quality while prices remain the same or increase. How will the Commission assess the scale and underlying causes of such practices and explore appropriate measures to enhance transparency and consumer awareness? Furthermore, how will the Commission investigate the causes of the varied levels of inflation of basic goods and the consumer price increases observed in some Member States?
- 4.In what ways will the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act impact the dynamics of new commercial practices within the single market, and what steps should be taken to further strengthen consumer protection online, while also ensuring simplification and coherence in EU digital legislation?
- 5.What specific reforms does the Commission envisage to improve cross-border service provisions and workers’ mobility, and in which sectors does it see the need to align Member States’ fragmented legal frameworks in this regard?
- 6.How does the Commission plan to simplify reporting requirements that concern European businesses, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises?
Submitted: 8.4.2025
Lapses: 9.7.2025