The EU in your high street

In our vast single market of over 500 million people across 28 Member States, much is made of the freedom for people and businesses to move and trade freely across borders within the EU. It is an accomplishment that the European Commission is very proud of. But the single market also brings benefits to all of us, in our daily lives at home. It is clear how it benefits the Spanish nurse seeking to get her qualifications recognised for a job in Finland, or the Erasmus student heading off for a year in a foreign university. But it is equally a boon for the home-owner, who wants a cheaper energy bill each month, or the online shopper, who wants a seller to replace a faulty purchase. And what of the bank customer, nervous about the financial crisis? She, too, benefits from single market rules that enhance financial stability. The single market, patiently built over decades – and still evolving – benefits all of us. We all have something to gain from it. This is why we wanted to draw the map of all the benefits you can find in the single market, in your own home, and just beyond your doorstep. Take a look around. See what’s in it for you!