EU internal market: The big breakthrough for Europe is long overdue

A trade war is looming outside, stagnation is happening at home – now is not the time for petty politics.

The trade conflict with the USA presents Europe with a challenge. Donald Trump is frantically hurling tariffs, while the Europeans are hoping for a deal, but the prospects for one are vague at best. The damage from this conflict will soon be measurable and potentially severe. This makes it all the more urgent for Europe to take care of itself. Every day, someone in Brussels sings the praises of the EU's single market, Europe's greatest achievement since peace. While the world is plunging into a phase of economic uncertainty, the EU Commission writes in its new single market strategy, this market is "an anchor of stability and resilience."