EU leaders stress development of single market

European Union leader led by the Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä have emphasised the development of the single market, said a government press release.

At the initiative of Prime Minister Juha Sipilä, the leaders of 17 EU countries have sent to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, a letter which emphasises the comprehensive development of the Single Market as a key means of improving the Union’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

The letter contains the common view of the countries on where the development of the Single Market should be focused over the next five years. This work should, in a balanced way, take into account economic, environmental and social sustainability issues as well as links between different policy areas. Of particular importance is the development of the digital economy and the service economy.

The leaders believe that the EU should also promote international trade agreements and rules, and create conditions for European businesses to succeed and grow in the global market. It is also important that the Union is a strong global player in, for example, the field of artificial intelligence, while at the same time setting ethical standards.

The letter also encourages the upcoming Commission to step up the implementation of jointly agreed decisions at all levels.

The development of the Single Market will be a key theme in Finland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.