Single Market

Market access is central to the Chamber network’s DNA. That is why Eurochambres attaches considerable importance to tackling the many remaining obstacles to the free movement of workers, goods, services and capital across Europe. Only 15.48% of smaller businesses (SMEs) currently trades within the EU; many more would be inclined to if there were fewer administrative and legal barriers. These barriers are also encountered in the sale of services. They also apply both offline and online; the digital economy is by nature borderless and the EU legislative framework must reflect this.

Eurochambres liaises with EU policy makers to ensure that legislative initiatives and other instruments related to the Single Market enhance free movement for Europe’s 20 million plus SMEs. Chambers want political slogans like ‘digital by default, open by default and cross-border by default’ also to be a reality for Europe’s business community.

New digital technologies are not limited to automatization, working more efficiently, capitalizing on a broader customer base or anticipating new trends better. Digitalisation changes the way we do business and produce goods dramatically. Artificial intelligence, the need for a safe cyberspace, mass customisation, predictive maintenance or flexible pricing are creating new business opportunities. These significant changes in the way we do business might require an update of relevant laws in areas such as data protection, contract law, competition law, safety of workers, taxation and others. Through Eurochambres’ Digital Services Network, chambers collaborate on the digitalisation of their own services to businesses.