The European Union: Creating the Single Market Book

The creation of the European Single Market rekindled the vision of a new Europe - paving the way for European Union. The concept of 1992 fired the imagination of politicians and businesses alike, providing one clear objective - to bring into existence a single commercial trading area of unparalleled strength. Already its influence on world trade cannot be denied. Planning and achieving the 1992 Programme required political, legal and administrative skills of the highest calibre. Lord Cockfield was the principal architect of the Programme. As European Commissioner for the Internal Market, he was responsible overall for the design, drafting and execution of that Programme, maintaining a proper balance between the wider interests of Europe and short-term national interests. Lord Cockfield's account traces the difficulties that he faced, while maintaining his integrity and his loyalty to Europe. Under constant pressure from leading politicians of the day, he was able to put into place the framework that created the Single Market.Read More