Europe has long relied on global trade – with the US, China and beyond – as the foundation of its prosperity. That model is now under strain. Donald Trump is upending the transatlantic trade relationship, and EU businesses face tougher conditions in other key markets, most notably China. But what about the Single Market itself?

Analysts and policymakers rightly note that the untapped potential of the Single Market outweighs losses abroad. So why aren’t EU member states trading more with each other?

Barriers to cross-border trade continue to hold back European businesses, especially in services. From differing labour laws to the bureaucratic minutiae of paperwork, national differences add up. The Union effectively imposes the equivalent of a 110% tariff on its own cross-border services trade, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Previous efforts to liberalise services stalled in the face of public resistance. The Services Directive – nicknamed the Bolkestein Directive after its promoter – was significantly watered down in the 2000s following a wave of protests and street demonstrations.

Will it be different this time? This policy dialogue will bring together experts, policymakers, industry and labour representatives to examine the barriers to cross-border services, the political and social debates around liberalisation and what can be done.

Participation is open to EPC members only, the media, and EU officials.