Šefović: Internal EU Trade Faces Numerous Barriers, We Seek Solutions

Bratislava – European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič highlighted the persistent barriers within the world’s largest single market during the Visegrad 4 Business conference in Bratislava last week. He emphasized that minimizing these barriers between member states could help mitigate the negative impacts on international trade.

“Research indicates that if we succeed in lowering these internal barriers, we could swiftly offset any potential losses from international trade,” Šefčovič stated.

He identified specific challenges in the EU’s internal trade, noting significant obstacles in service provision, particularly in digital services. He mentioned the persistent barriers in goods trade, where various permitting processes and certifications remain necessary. Additionally, he pointed out that free movement of labor is often hindered by professional and other qualification tests.

Šefčovič explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the Ukraine war, European nations prioritized urgent issues, which hindered the momentum for removing barriers within the single market. Consequently, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, was assigned to systematically address these barriers to enhance economic prosperity and development.

Addressing obstacles in the EU internal market is crucial for supporting sectors vital to the economies of member states. In Slovakia, this primarily involves the automotive industry, a significant component of the European market.

Šefčovič underscored Slovakia’s responsibility to lead in emerging trends such as electromobility, hydrogen technologies, and battery production. He stressed the importance of modernizing the industry, digitizing processes, and adjusting the education system to meet new demands, including those arising from the artificial intelligence revolution. To further develop this strategic sector, he noted that the EU is committed to facilitating new export opportunities, exemplified by the agreement with Mercosur countries. (June 16)