Barroso Entrusts Monti with Drafting of Report on Relaunch of Single Market

The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, entrusted Mario Monti, President of Università Bocconi, with the task of "outlining in a special report the options and recommendations to re-launch the Single Market." In the words of the Commission's press release:

"The Single Market is the cornerstone of Europe's integration and sustainable growth. As the European Union approaches the 20th anniversary of the symbolic date of 1992, President Barroso believes, as announced in his Political Guidelines, that the Single Market requires renewed political determination so that it can withstand the threat of economic nationalism and fulfill all its potential.

President Barroso has therefore decided to entrust Mario Monti, President of Bocconi University and former Commissioner for the Internal Market, Financial services and Tax policy (1995-1999) and for Competition (1999-2004), with the mission of preparing a report containing options and recommendations for an initiative to relaunch the Single Market as a key strategic objective of the new Commission.

Professor Monti will conduct this mission under his personal responsibility, but will be able to rely on the Commission's expertise and support. He may hold consultations, as appropriate, with the European Parliament, with the relevant Commissioners, with the competent authorities of Member States and with other stakeholders.

Responding to the invitation to lead this work, Mario Monti said, "I am honored and delighted to accept the invitation from President Barroso. The current economic crisis has once again underlined how crucial the Single Market is for the success of the European project. I look forward to exploring how we can remove the remaining obstacles and reinvigorate the process. This may require a fresh look at how the market and the social dimension of an integrated European economy can be mutually strengthened."