Europe 1992 : the single market and companies

Abstract

Today's European Community (EC) started during the fifties with the establishment of three separate European Communities, namely the ECSC, the EEC and the Euratom. Today the EC is definitely an important reality in the world. It comprises various institutions mainly the Council of Ministers, the Commission and the Parliament. The present European Market results to be a fragmented one and studies show that it is giving rise to substantial unnecessary costs for consumers, companies as well as for public authorities. In view of such unnecessary costs the SEA is trying to eliminate the existing physical, technical and fiscal barriers. In order to prepare for the challenge of 1992 companies should work to develop a strategy for the European Market. They should review their present strategy and analyse what effects the single market will have on them, develop an action plan and commit themselves to implement such a plan. In preparing for the Single European market, companies should also try to use European Aid Instruments, establish the right contacts and obtain continuous information. SMEs are also expected to play their part and take advantage of their strengths as well as of specific EC aid to SMEs. In Malta we have had relations with the EC since years ago. As regards Malta and the Single Market it emerges from a survey that there are different levels of awareness and action by Maltese companies towards the Single Market.