One Europe, One Market: Are we close?

As geopolitical volatility and a sharp decline in European competitiveness loom over the EU, the Single Market remains Europe's most vital instrument for absorbing global economic shocks. The EU institutions have committed to advancing the Single Market through their "One Europe, One Market Roadmap to 2028", yet European Commission data shows that Single Market integration has nevertheless declined for the second consecutive year. European industry is growing increasingly concerned about the widening gap between high-level political commitments and the practical reality of doing business across borders.

This panel discussion, jointly organised by BusinessEurope, the largest business organisation at EU level, and Ibec, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, will provide a platform for business leaders and EU policymakers to evaluate the "One Europe, One Market" Roadmap and address key points of friction:

• Has the Roadmap prioritised bureaucratic deadlines over real economic substance?
• What needs to be done to ensure that its ambition is not only translated into action, but also leads to tangible improvements in the four freedoms for businesses?
• To what extent are the One Europe, One Market Roadmap and the 2025 Single Market Strategy sufficiently aligned in terms of content and governance?

23 September 2026, 18.00-19.30 CET