ECR Rapporteur Lorenzo Galligani's opinion on the "Single Market Strategy" was adopted today by unanimity by the European Committee of the Regions Plenary session. 

"Local and regional authorities play a crucial role in ensuring that the Single Market delivers real benefits to citizens, businesses and communities across Europe" Lorenzo Galligani said. Galligani highlighted how the Single Market Strategy should seek momentum and the efforts undertaken to be further deepened. "Through this opinion, we are also contributing to these efforts by bringing the perspective of regions and cities", he added.

"Regions and cities are the first point of contact for SMEs and workers. Without their involvement, Single Market rules risk remaining declarations on paper rather than real tools for growth". Galligani stated.  The opinion highlighted the need to remove the so-called "terrible 10" barriers but urged the co-legislators to go even further, noting that removing just 10% of Single Market barriers could boost the EU GDP by 7%. "We need simplified procedures, interoperable digital services and explicit recognition of the role of micro‑enterprises, often overlooked but vital to Europe’s economic fabric", Galligani added.

The text also insists that strengthening the Single Market must go hand in hand with territorial cohesion, ensuring that rural, mountain and peripheral regions do not fall further behind. “Citizens must have the freedom not only to move, but also to stay,” Galligani added. “We must ensure that all regions can benefit from the Single Market”, he concluded.