The Single Market

Today, the European Union and the Single Market are part of our everyday life.

Do you know what the Single Market is?
What are the principles that control it?
What are the consequences for consumers?

This section introduces the Single Market and how it creates opportunities for consumers to purchase goods and services in other EU countries.

Definition of the single market

Imagine being able to enjoy medical care and other services in another country, buy anything you want and bring it straight home at no extra cost and without any hassle. It is now possible for all consumers within the European Union to do just that. The Union offers the benefits of a single market to all its citizens, from Portugal to Finland. Read more

Buying goods and services in another EU country

You can buy virtually anything you like from another EU country, either in person or via mail order, and take it or have it delivered, straight to your home. Before you make a purchase from another EU country, it is important to know whether you will have any consumer protection. This section of the website gives information and advice on your legal rights when buying goods from another country in the EU. Read more

Protecting legal rights in the EU

European Union law (commonly called European Community law) is a body of law contained in Treaties, Regulations, Directives and other sources. These laws aim to provide harmonised legal protection to all consumers living in the EU. EU law operates alongside the national law in each member state, however, if a conflict occurs then EU law takes precedence. Read more

Obstacles to trade

In order to ensure goods and services can be freely traded across the countries of the European Union, it is necessary to remove any obstacles to that freedom. Obstacles to trade can include any activities or policies that reduce or hinder, the free movement of goods, services, money and people across the EU. Read more

Rules of competition

The rules of competition ensure the proper functioning of the EU market by subjecting all companies to the same regulations while taking care of consumer protection. It is important to have rules that prevent companies from: profiting unfairly from their dominant market position; fixing prices higher than those normally reached via free competition; providing goods or services of lesser quality. Read more