After the major refurbishment work done in the single market, the European Parliament is most likely to concentrate its efforts for the foreseeable future on improving implementation. This should include more detailed and regular monitoring of the implementation of major directives, such as those on postal services (2008/6/EC) and services (2006/123/EC). In terms of new initiatives, strong lobbying by industry may finally result in new legislation and initiatives on intellectual property rights (IPR).

MEPs will certainly first face a recommendation on partnership in the internal market, set to be published in mid-July 2009. While only a recommendation, the document is indicative of the Commission’s new approach. Many of the legislative ‘low-hanging’ fruits are seen to have been taken in terms of completing the single market. Informal cooperation and partnerships between member states as well as the Commission may prove more effective.

Given the strong interests for stricter protection of IPR, MEPs will likely face new initiatives to combat piracy. There should be a further attempt at a Community patent and more harmonised patent jurisdiction (considering the Council’s discussions in this area). The Commission will kick off the game, probably in September 2009, with a stocktaking exercise on IPR in science and research.

“The Parliament must continue to play a key role in implementation of the Services Directive,” says Ben Butters, director of European affairs at Eurocommerce. He would like to see regular reporting by Parliament on the sector. “Services represent a huge percentage of the European economy. This is one of the last great challenges in terms of the overall internal market,” he added.