yhdenäismarkkinoiden

The single market, often referred to by its Finnish name "yhdenäismarkkinat," is a key concept within the European Union. It is an area comprising all the Member States of the EU, plus Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (prior to its withdrawal). Within this market, the four freedoms are guaranteed: the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This means that goods and services can be traded freely across borders without customs duties or other barriers, capital can flow unhindered, and citizens can live, work, and study in any Member State.

The establishment of the single market was a gradual process, with significant progress made through the Single European Act of 1986, which aimed to complete the internal market by 1992. The goal was to create a more integrated economic area, fostering competition, stimulating economic growth, and increasing consumer choice. The removal of internal borders and harmonization of regulations across Member States have been central to achieving this objective. The yhdenäismarkkinat has had a profound impact on businesses, enabling them to operate on a larger scale and access a wider customer base, while also providing consumers with greater variety and often lower prices.