Commissioned by the European Council and authored by former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, Much More Than a Market: Speed, Security, Solidarity is a forward-looking report on the future of the EU Single Market. The report responds to a call for strategic rethinking amidst geopolitical shifts, economic competition, and digital transformation.

Letta conducted an extensive consultation process—400 meetings across 65 European cities—to inform his proposals. The report argues for transforming the Single Market into a dynamic and inclusive driver of sustainable prosperity. Key recommendations include establishing a “fifth freedom” focused on research, innovation, and education; creating a Savings and Investments Union; scaling up European industry; and enhancing the social and geographical inclusivity of the market.

Particular attention is also given to the retail sector, identified as an area where there is little political will to further integration and localised protectionism obstructs market entry, inhibits competition and therefore harms businesses and consumers alike. To address this, the report calls for a meticulous examination of regulatory environments and the rigorous application of proportionality assessments to eradicate undue restrictions. It also recommends strengthening the capacity of national authorities to tackle suspected Territorial Supply Constraints through a formal procedure common to all for cross-border cases. Furthermore, the EU is encouraged to consider whether it should intervene when a market malfunctions for other reasons than those covered by competition law—proposing credible alternatives to national measures aimed at restricting the possibility of sourcing and trading freely within the Single Market. Rebalancing commercial relations between different actors of an ecosystem may be necessary in some cases, but the renationalisation of sourcing and trading is bounded to affect ultimately the benefits that consumers derive from the Single Market.

The report also advocates reforms in critical areas like defence, energy, finance, and electronic communications, calling for better regulatory coherence, simplified governance, and more equitable benefit-sharing across EU regions. Letta stresses the need for collective financial strategies to support the EU's green and digital transitions, enlargement, and economic security goals.

Ultimately, the report positions the Single Market as a cornerstone for Europe’s resilience and global competitiveness in the coming decade.