Businesses back EU-integration

The European Internal market is often hailed as the backbone of the European integration by both the EU institutions and politicians. What is missing in the public debate is the businesses’ opinion on the matter. How important is the internal market in terms of increased trade with EU countries? What obstacles remain to overcome in order to complete the internal market? And what is the importance of goods, capital and people moving freely within the union?


A recent survey from The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise attempts to provide answers to the question of how Swedish businesses view the European internal market and to put more emphasis on why it is crucial that full integration of the European markets is achieved. Consisting of 500 interviews with Swedish businesses of all sizes, the survey shows an unequivocal belief in and support of the internal market on behalf of the businesses.
The survey found that:
• Bureaucracy is the most intimidating for those interested in expanding to other EU countries,
• Their share of imports and exports among EU countries has increased,
• 1 of 6 export via e-trade,
• EU membership has a positive impact on their business,
• Freedom of mobility benefits Sweden,
• Two of three are ready to recruit a non-Swedish speaker from the EU.

There is a consensus among businesses concerning the need to further work towards a completion of EU market integration and the physical, economic and digital challenges that must be harnessed in order to fully benefit from a European internal market.


Source: www.svensktnaringsliv.se