EUinternmarkedets

EUinternmarkedets refers to the European Union internal market, a policy and legal framework that enables the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among its member states. Its purpose is to remove cross-border barriers, harmonize rules, and create a level playing field for businesses and consumers within the Union. The internal market is built on common rules, mutual recognition, and standardized practices that facilitate trade and investment across national borders.

Key features include the four freedoms, which are complemented by rules on competition, state aid, consumer protection, product safety, and standards. EU law comprises regulations, which are directly applicable in all member states, and directives, which set goals that each country must achieve by transposing them into national law. Together, these instruments seek to reduce administrative and regulatory differences that hinder cross-border activity.

The internal market operates under the governance of EU institutions. The European Commission proposes legislation, the European Parliament and the Council adopt it, and the Court of Justice interprets and enforces EU law. Regional and national authorities are responsible for national implementation and market surveillance.

Historically, the internal market has evolved through the Single European Act (1986) and successive market-wide initiatives aiming to complete the four freedoms. It has supported economic growth, increased cross-border trade, and lower prices, while facing challenges such as regulatory divergence, uneven implementation, and shifts in membership after Brexit. Ongoing efforts focus on services, digital markets, and energy integration to deepen market integration.