Stagnation of the single market and declining intra-EU trade

Priority question for written answer P-000368/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jeannette Baljeu (Renew)

Recent Commission data, reported by the Financial Times, show that trade between EU Member States as a share of GDP fell from 23.5 % in 2023 to 22 % in 2024, representing the first such decline outside of the pandemic in almost a decade. Meanwhile, the time needed to develop and adopt EU-wide standards has increased, and fragmented national rules continue to hinder cross-border business activity. The European Central Bank estimates that hidden barriers within the single market are equivalent to a 65 % tariff on goods and up to 100 % for services.

In the light of the above:

• 1.How does the Commission assess the main drivers behind the decline in intra-EU trade, and to what extent does regulatory fragmentation and administrative burden contribute to this downward trend?
• 2.What concrete, time-bound measures will the Commission take to accelerate harmonisation, mutual recognition and standard-setting, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises operating cross-border?
• 3.How will the forthcoming single market roadmap ensure that future EU legislation measurably reduces internal market barriers and compliance costs for businesses, including through clear targets, monitoring mechanisms and effective enforcement?

Submitted: 29.1.2026