Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a six-point plan to modernise the Single Market during a European Parliament plenary debate on 20 May 2026, sparking a clear divide between MEPs prioritising deregulation and competitiveness and those insisting on social and environmental safeguards. The plan includes a 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap, a Chips Act 2.0, a Cloud and AI Development Act, an Industrial Accelerator Act, a fair labour mobility package, and a Future Quality Jobs Act.
EPP's Dolors Montserrat backed simplification and trade deals, framing the Single Market as a geopolitical tool. Renew's Valérie Hayer urged tangible action on fragmentation, calling for a single legal framework, integrated sectoral markets, a savings union, and an end to gold-plating. ECR's Patryk Jaki blamed the Green Deal and Emissions Trading System for deindustrialisation, citing 500 job losses per day. Patriots' Kinga Gál criticised excessive regulation and centralisation, warning that the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework would weaken cohesion. ESN's René Aust cited bureaucratic barriers for SMEs, with 27 different national rules undermining the Single Market's promise.
On the other side, S&D's Iratxe García Pérez pushed back, arguing competitiveness must have a 'social soul' and calling for a Quality Jobs Act, a European care pact, and a windfall tax on energy profits. Greens' Terry Reintke highlighted the Single Market's role in security and called for a circular economy and reduced dependence on US tech. Left's Li Andersson warned that the EU Inc proposal could weaken workers' rights, demanding protections based on national legislation.
EU businesses, especially SMEs, stand to benefit from deregulation and simplification but may face higher costs if social and environmental safeguards are strengthened. Workers could gain from the Quality Jobs Act and fair mobility package but may see protections diluted under deregulation. Consumers could benefit from lower prices and more choice through integrated markets, but may face higher costs if green and social standards are imposed. National administrations would need to adapt to new rules, with gold-plating restrictions reducing their flexibility.
Next steps include adoption of the roadmap and legislative proposals, with the Commission expected to present detailed drafts in the coming months.