Single Market Programme (SMP)
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Summary
Regulation (EU) 2021/690 establishes the Single Market Programme for the period 2021–2027, setting objectives, governance and a budget to support the functioning of the internal market. It consolidates and continues a range of EU actions in areas such as consumer protection, standardisation, market surveillance, food chain and animal/plant health, statistics, and support for SMEs and competitiveness. The Programme also provides for cooperation among national authorities and capacity-building to ensure effective enforcement of Union rules.
Who is affected?
EU and national public authorities, agencies and bodies implementing internal market, consumer, standardisation, market surveillance, and food-chain related policies are primary beneficiaries. Businesses (especially SMEs), consumer organisations, standardisation bodies, and other eligible stakeholders may receive support through grants, procurement, and other funding mechanisms under the Programme.
Scope
Applies to EU-level funding and actions under the Single Market Programme for 2021–2027 across internal market governance, enforcement and supporting measures (including consumer protection, standardisation, market surveillance, statistics, and food-chain related areas).
Key Points
- Establishes the Single Market Programme (2021–2027) with objectives, eligible actions and implementation arrangements to strengthen the functioning of the internal market.
- Supports effective application and enforcement of Union law, including cooperation between competent authorities (e.g., consumer protection and market surveillance).
- Provides funding for standardisation activities and the development/use of European standards supporting EU policies and the internal market.
- Includes measures to enhance consumer protection and awareness, including support for consumer organisations and enforcement capacity.
- Supports competitiveness and SMEs through actions improving market access, business environment and related support services.
- Covers statistical actions and certain food-chain related measures (e.g., animal/plant health and related controls) as part of the Programme’s integrated structure.
Key Deadlines
- — End of the Single Market Programme programming period (2021–2027)
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with the Single Market Programme (SMP)?
The primary beneficiaries are EU and national public authorities, agencies, and bodies implementing policies related to the internal market, consumer protection, standardisation, market surveillance, and food-chain safety. Businesses (especially SMEs), consumer organisations, and standardisation bodies may also participate as recipients of funding or support.
What is the main objective of the Single Market Programme?
The SMP aims to strengthen the functioning of the EU internal market by supporting effective enforcement of Union law, enhancing consumer protection, promoting standardisation, and improving the competitiveness of SMEs.
What areas does the SMP cover?
The Programme covers internal market governance, enforcement, consumer protection, standardisation, market surveillance, statistics, and food-chain related measures, including animal and plant health.
What types of support are available under the SMP?
Support is provided through grants, procurement, and other funding mechanisms to eligible authorities, organisations, and businesses for actions aligned with the Programme’s objectives.
What are the key obligations for beneficiaries of SMP funding?
Beneficiaries must use funds for eligible actions that contribute to the Programme’s objectives, comply with reporting and monitoring requirements, and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of EU resources.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the SMP?
Non-compliance may result in recovery of funds, exclusion from future funding, or other administrative and financial penalties as specified in the applicable EU financial regulations and the SMP’s rules.
How does the SMP interact with other EU regulations and programmes?
The SMP consolidates and continues previous EU actions in relevant areas, ensuring coherence and avoiding duplication with other EU funding programmes and regulations, such as those for research, cohesion, or agriculture.
What practical steps should organisations take to participate in the SMP?
Organisations should monitor calls for proposals or procurement notices, ensure eligibility, prepare project applications aligned with SMP objectives, and comply with administrative and reporting requirements if selected.
What is the duration of the Single Market Programme?
The SMP covers the period from 2021 to 2027, aligning with the EU’s multiannual financial framework.
How does the SMP support SMEs?
The Programme funds actions that improve market access, the business environment, and support services for SMEs, aiming to enhance their competitiveness within the internal market.
Key Terms
- Single Market Programme (SMP)
- An EU funding programme established by Regulation (EU) 2021/690 to support the functioning of the internal market for 2021–2027.
- Market Surveillance
- Activities and measures by authorities to ensure that products placed on the EU market comply with applicable laws and standards.
- Standardisation Bodies
- Organisations responsible for developing and maintaining European standards that support EU policies and the internal market.
- Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC)
- Mechanisms for collaboration between national authorities to enforce consumer protection laws across the EU.
- SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises)
- Businesses with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, specifically supported by the SMP.
- Food Chain Measures
- Actions related to the safety and health of animals and plants, including controls and surveillance within the food supply chain.
- Grants and Procurement
- Financial instruments used by the SMP to provide support to eligible beneficiaries for specific projects or services.
- European Standards
- Technical specifications adopted by recognised European standardisation bodies to harmonise requirements across the internal market.
- Competent Authorities
- National or EU-level bodies responsible for implementing and enforcing internal market, consumer, or food-chain related policies.
- Capacity-Building
- Activities aimed at strengthening the skills, resources, and effectiveness of authorities and organisations implementing SMP objectives.