Breaking bottlenecks in the Digital Single Market

As Europe pursues the Single Market Roadmap to 2028, a strong understanding of the barriers that currently exist, and how they can be removed, is crucial.  

Sitra has been working with law firm Bird & Bird to develop a report that maps the most significant legal obstacles to the completion of the Single Market.  

This invite-only session presents the main findings of the report, before opening a structured discussion among experts, EU institutional representatives, the private sector and civil society. The session moves beyond identifying problems to focus on two critical questions: which barriers hinder EU competitiveness the most, and which legislative and administrative tools can realistically deliver results by the 2028 deadline. 

Key discussion points include: 

• Barriers: evaluating the interplay between physical and digital obstacles. 
• Tools: assessing the effectiveness of SOLVIT and the Single Digital Gateway.
• Governance: navigating enforcement within the EU’s multi-level structure and exploring new initiatives in health data and finance. 

The ultimate objective is to provide the Commission with a concrete set of priorities to enhance cross-border integration and drive measurable economic impact.

This session is held in Brussels at the Ideas Lab event. The Ideas Lab, hosted by CEPS, is an influential annual forum that fosters dialogue on Europe’s most critical policy issues.

More info:

Tiina Vainio

Senior Lead, Sitra International Programmes

Reijo Aarnio

Senior Advisor, Sitra International Programmes