Simply put, the single market is the framework of rules that help goods, services, money and people move across borders. The single market means fewer hassles, taxes and paperwork at custom and immigration crossings. It's the reason mobile phone bills have declined 70% and airfares by 40% since 1992, according to the Commission.
But too many European citizens and businesses don't see the benefits, and Lord Leon Brittan, a UK government trade advisor, said that's because the market has not fully delivered on its promises: "You can't buy goods online in other member states and small and medium-sized enterprises can't access other markets because of onerous requirements."