Thirty Years of the European Single Market ‒ Achievements and Future Challenges

In 1993, the European Single Market was created with the aim of enabling the free movement of goods, services and capital. It has created jobs and fostered growth and prosperity across the EU. Today, the European Single Market is the EU’s driving force in addressing new challenges such as combating climate change, building a clean and secure energy supply, and supporting the innovation and digitalization of the European economy. The 30th anniversary of the European Single Market provides an opportunity to celebrate its successes and review what is yet to be achieved. Indeed, the global financial crisis (2008), the Euro crisis (2010), Brexit, the Covid-19 crisis (2020/21), and the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2022) have disrupted its positive evolution. This issue of EconPol Forum addresses important aspects of the role of the European Single Market in a new geopolitical era. Our authors also take a critical look at the main current challenges facing the EU.