The Report on the Future of the Single Market, prepared by former Italian prime minister and former leader of Partito Democratico Enrico Letta, is a welcome contribution to the preparation of our shared agenda for the next five years, PES President Stefan Lövfen said today.
The Report, initiated by Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne (PS Belgium) in the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, was today presented to the European Council. In it, Enrico Letta reaffirms the central role of the European Single Market as the driving force of our continent’s economic and social model.
Based on 400 meetings in 65 cities, the Report outlines several actions to improve the EU’s sustainable competitiveness and ensure the Single Market continues to deliver prosperity for all Europeans, in the context of the green and digital transition and an unstable geopolitical situation.
PES President Stefan Lövfen said:
“I congratulate my dear friend Enrico Letta on the impressive work that has gone into preparing this report. It could not have come at a more crucial time to prepare the next five years of EU decision-making.
“The Single Market must be a tool for upwards social convergence. When harnessed correctly, with the right safeguards, it represents a unique opportunity to create new, quality jobs that improve people’s lives and contribute to our common objectives. In this spirit, the Report’s reference to the European Pillar of Social Rights could not be more important.
“We share the Report’s proposal of developing a real European industrial strategy. The EU needs common funding and a new push to mobilise private savings, to support our industries, realise the promise of the circular economy, deliver the green transition and grow our energy, transport and digital infrastructure.
“I particularly salute the foresight with which the Report addresses the question of EU enlargement. The PES is also committed to administrative and financial support to candidate countries as they integrate into the Single Market, in full respect of our fundamental values.”
The PES also welcomes the Report’s references to the defence of Cohesion Policy, a new approach to competition policy that levels the global playing field, a more strategic use of public procurement, a renewed commitment to public services, the social economy and circularity, and the integration of the European defence industry.
