Impact and efficiency of the internal market

A first (open) debate on this communication took place during the Internal Market Council of 26 November 1996. Subsequently, the Dublin European Council took note of the Commission's intention to submit before the Amsterdam European Council an Action Plan and a timetable covering all necessary measures that must be taken to ensure that the full potential benefit of the Internal Market is achieved before the beginning of stage 3 of EMU. There was an agreement on the need for a renewed commitment to the internal market, together with a new definition of tasks. The Council therefore looks forward to the Action Plan ; this plan must take account of the Union's situation, and in particular of the drastic changes in the social situation of the Community since the presentation of the 1985 White Paper. The Council asks the Commission to take on board, in the elaboration of the Action Plan, the comments made during today's debate. A further exchange of views on this matter will take place at the next Internal Market Council, on 20 May 1997, at which the Commission intends to present an outline of the plan.�