The article examines the pressing barriers that hinder the EU's common service market, which recent reports from the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund highlight as being alarmingly high — nearly 95% of the barriers are still present. The discussion touches upon the growing tensions in the atmosphere regarding these barriers, particularly due to ongoing trade wars that impede economic growth and force nations to rethink their market strategies.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming release of the European Commission's roadmap called "One Europe, One Market" is eagerly anticipated, with a target date of March for its unveil. Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission's President, aims for full market integration by the end of 2027, emphasizing the necessity of overcoming these barriers to boost intra-EU competition and economic growth. The proposed strategy seeks not just a revision of existing frameworks but a transformative approach to how services are exchanged across member states.

The implications of these barriers extend beyond immediate economic concerns; they reflect the structural complexities within the EU that challenge its foundational goals of unity and free movement. If successful, the plan may revitalize the internal market and create a more competitive environment that can better withstand external trade pressures, such as those posed by the United States. The outcome of this initiative will be critical in determining the future landscape of services in the EU, as well as its overall economic resilience.