Single Market: report 1994

The committee adopted the report by Mr Graham R. WATSON (ELDR, UK) on the single market in 1994. The report addressed the most significant problems that were obstructing the realization of the single market and, as a result, distorting competition: - the mutual recognition principle was often not observed in the Member States; - public procurement practices had barely changed since the sector was liberalized; - no steps had been taken to harmonize provisions in important areas of taxation; - environmental regulations differed ; - controls on individuals at internal borders had not been completely removed; - it was difficult to enforce single market rules and gain access to justice in cases of infringement; - excessive bureaucracy was imposed on businesses; - national governments engaged in practices which ran counter to the Community standard. The report called for greater compliance with legislation governing the internal market and for the provision of sanctions. In addition, the measures taken by national administrations to transpose Community legislation were sometimes excessive, thereby complicating regulations, impairing their efficiency and increasing the constraints on enterprises. However, deregulation alone was not the answer. The report underlined the need to develop a human dimension and approved the implementation of a strong competition policy.�