Van Rompuy laments slow single market reform

Ahead of the spring European Council next week (14 to 15 March 2013), the dedicated EUCO webpage has been updated with a link to the invitation letter from president Herman Van Rompuy (EUCO 62/13), stressing structural reforms that would boost European competitiveness and would reinforce confidence in the European economy. Single Market Act I Van Rompuy deplores the missed end-2012 deadline for most of the twelve priority measures under the Single Market Act I (SMA I). He now hopes that at least three of them, the accounting directive, the recognition of professional qualification and the directives on public procurement, could be adopted during the Irish presidency of the Council, before July 2013.