The EU Single Market Policy pursued hitherto and oriented almost exclusively to economic interests has missed the mark. This is shown by the catastrophic economic data for the EU as well as by the unprecedented figures for unemployment and poverty in the European Union. Today one quarter of the EU’s population is at risk of poverty. A key aim must be to implement measures that protect the interests of workers and support employees in their role as consumers. This is the only way to get the European Single Market on course for growth.

The Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour (BAK) once again highlights the relationship between the outwardly-oriented trade agenda and the inwardly-oriented focus on competition. The Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour therefore calls for a fundamental reorientation of the EU's economic policy. Promoting internal European demand would significantly redynamise the European economy. This requires, among other things, an immediate end to the policy of austerity, as well as the implementation of high common minimum social standards and public, social and ecological investment.