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24-09-2025 09:45
Strengthening the single market for services

Anhörungen IMCO
its a graphic of workers
60% of cross border barriers are the same as 20 years ago © adobe stock

Services accounted for nearly three quarters of the EU’s gross value added and employment in 2024, showing their key economic role. However, the services sector remains the least integrated part of the Single Market due to persistent cross-border barriers that limit innovation, scaling, and business opportunities. Remarkably, 60% of these barriers are the same as 20 years ago. Reducing non-tariff barriers by just 10% could boost EU gross value added by 0.5%.

This public hearing assessed current barriers and explored actions to improve outcomes for consumers and businesses across the EU. It aimed to overcome obstacles in the services sector and unlock the internal market's full potential, considering the Commission's recent Single Market Strategy. This public hearing gathered stakeholders including the Commission, national authorities, consumer groups, and industry for open discussion.

The first panel focused on barriers to intra-EU trade in services, such as regulatory restrictions, national differences, and cross-border obligations limiting providers and consumers. The second panel highlighted the services sector's importance and explored proactive measures to enhance trade, identify priorities, and accelerate progress in reducing fragmentation and unlocking the Single Market's full potential for services.