Europe has changed fundamentally since the single market was launched.

The global demographic and economic landscape has shifted, the rules-based international order faces serious challenges, the EU pillars of free trade and openness are being called into question and the sectors covered by the single market need to be updated.

The single market therefore needs to be adapted to new requirements, including the imperative to embed circular economy principles. A new framework is required: it must protect the fundamental freedoms, based on a level playing field, while supporting the objective of establishing a dynamic and effective European industrial policy.

The report contains policy recommendations for the future of the single market, such as establishing a Circular Single Market.