The European Parliament debated today - and is going to adopt tomorrow - a resolution addressed to the Member States and the European Commission on how to better implement and regulate the Single Market.
 
Especially in the current economic crisis it must be emphasised that the Single Market is crucial for the economic growth and employment in the European Union. The crisis must be an incentive for abolishing all remaining unjustified obstacles (lack of implementation and enforcement, gold-plating, etc) to the free circulation of goods, services and workers - instead of a trigger for a protectionist economic retreat of Member States.

For the resolution, ALDE particularly stressed the need for both better and less EU legislation. Toine MANDERS (VVD, Netherlands), ALDE coordinator on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee says: "The Commission should choose, where appropriate, regulations rather than directives as a means to drive forward the Single Market as they are more efficient and effective tools and create a true level-playing field for all European citizens and businesses." 
 
In addition, Manders emphasises: "With the deepening of the Single Market, an additional enlargement of 40 to 60% is foreseen. This means that the Single Market has a tremendous potential to provide extra jobs and to remain at the center of the leading global economic powers."