20
May
2026
Watch
High time to deliver on the Single Market, providing certainty and predictability for EU businesses and quality jobs (continuation of debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, absent Council, today the greatest destiny of young Europeans looking for opportunities is not America, not Asia – they are other countries of the European Union itself. This proves something very simple: The European single market is already our greatest strength today. But it also reveals a challenge and a problem: it is that for many of these young people leaving their country it is no longer a choice but a necessity. And that is because we still have too many economic inequalities within our Union. If we can better harmonise the single market, we can turn it into a fairer market of opportunities, where mobility is a possibility and not an obligation. An area that creates skilled jobs not only in the richest countries, but in the countries of origin. And how can we do that? First, through taxation, simplifying life for companies that want to grow and innovate in Europe, but also ensuring that the top 1% earns at least as much as the remaining 99%. And secondly, defending our internal market, with a strong European industrial policy and clear rules to limit foreign investment in critical sectors. Because a strong Europe is not a Europe where young people are destined to leave. A strong Europe is a Europe where young people can choose to stay.