Background   

One of the takeaways from the COVID-19 crisis is that our single market is one of the finest assets for ensuring the EU economy's long-term viability. We need the proper instruments to keep the single market running in the event of an emergency. The continuing crisis on Europe's doorstep emphasises these flaws even more.  

The Commission will propose a Single Market Emergency Instrument, as outlined in the Industrial Strategy Update, to promote better readiness, more transparency, and better coordination of crisis response actions across Member States. This will aid in reducing negative effects on the single market, ensuring:    

• Continuation of free movement of goods, services, and people;  

• Seamless supply chains; and  

• Availability and access to commodities and services.  

The Commission is using the call for evidence to clarify why this instrument is being drafted, what it intends to achieve, and to get your feedback on crisis-related single market interruptions. The goal of the public consultation questionnaire is to gather thorough information on any crisis-related single market issues that have arisen, as well as alternative remedies. The information gathered will be utilised to conduct an impact assessment and create a future SMEI proposal.  

More Information  

The call for evidence and the public consultation launched will be open until 11/05/2022. Please take part and encourage your members to respond.