Despite having brought many benefits to European business, citizens and consumers in the last 19 years, the full potential of the Single Market has not yet been achieved. In this regard the European Parliament debated this morning future improvements of the Single Market and adopted three reports on the issue:

- Single Market for Enterprises and Growth,
- Single Market for Europeans,
- Governance and Partnership in the Single Market

Cristian BUSOI (PNL, Romania), who is the rapporteur on the Enterprises and Growth report, says: "Our major challenge was to identify those actions that would improve the functioning of the Single Market for enterprises and that would also be they key drivers for our future growth. I think we reached our goal by setting clear priorities, namely concerning innovation, support for SMEs, e-commerce and public procurement. It is time to show some political courage and to act together in order to give a new impetus to the Single Market so that it responds effectively to the needs of our enterprises and consumers."

Jürgen CREUTZMANN (FDP, Germany), who is ALDE's shadow rapporteur on the second report, points out new advantages for citizens: "With a better authentication of professional qualifications, possibly including a European professional card, working in another EU member country shall be easier. In a Single Market without borders we also need an effective market surveillance in order to protect consumers from dangerous products. Finally, consumers will pay less when they go online abroad, once the existing roaming regulation will be expanded to mobile internet services."

Morten LOKKEGAARD (Venstre, Denmark), who is ALDE's shadow rapporteur on the Governance report, says: "With this report we urge the European Council to take leadership on the relaunch of the Single Market. This is vital for its success. We also call for a tougher line on late and incorrect trans-position of EU legislation, which distort the market. Finally we need to make citizens and businesses aware of their opportunities and rights if we are to achieve a well-functioning Single Market for all."

The recommendations of the Parliament will now be sent officially to the European Commission, which will present on April 13 a revised communication. It will contain twelve central leverages to activate the Single Market, which shall be put into action by the end of 2012.