The European Commission's new Single Market Strategy has been met with a mixed response from the digital sector. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) acknowledges positive elements in the strategy, such as an emphasis on smarter enforcement and digitalisation. However, they express concerns about the lack of significant changes needed to make the EU Single Market more effective.
CCIA Europe appreciates the focus on implementation rather than adding more regulations. Initiatives like Single Market Sherpas, a stronger enforcement taskforce, and EU-level oversight of e-commerce imports are seen as potential measures to reduce friction among Member States. The move towards digitalising compliance through tools like the Digital Product Passport is also viewed positively for its potential to streamline processes and improve market access.
Despite these promising steps, CCIA Europe criticizes the strategy for not providing a clear plan to simplify or remove existing regulatory barriers. They point out missed opportunities in addressing overlapping rules and delays in guidance on current legislation. Businesses continue to face conflicting obligations, and the proposed 'Single Market Test' for new laws is deemed insufficient for necessary reforms.
There are also concerns about a shift back to top-down policymaking within the EU. The Commission's push for 'Buy European' policies in public procurement and prioritizing Commission-defined technical specifications over established standardization processes could hinder innovation and competitiveness.
Alexandre Roure, Head of Policy and Deputy Head of Office at CCIA Europe, commented: "Much of this Single Market Strategy is heading in the right direction – from stronger enforcement coordination and better implementation across Member States, to the use of digital tools that simplify compliance with product rules and reporting requirements."
Roure added: "However, we are concerned by top-down proposals on technical standardisation and a ‘European preference’ in procurement. In both cases, the Commission seems to believe it could be better positioned to meet market needs than industry experts or customers on the ground."
He concluded: "Whether this Strategy delivers meaningful progress or just a patchwork of quick fixes will depend on turning promising ideas into real action. All of this must benefit the broader economy – not just a narrow slice of companies – and the Commission must resist the temptation to centralise where flexibility and market-driven solutions deliver better results."