The 2026 Single Market Research Conference, organised by the Chief Economist of DG GROW, brought together leading researchers to share insights on Europe’s economic resilience. The discussions focused on both the strengths of the EU Single Market and the barriers that continue to limit its full potential. The conference comes at a critical moment, as the EU looks to better position itself to withstand external shocks and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Across its sessions, the conference explored a wide range of themes, including industrial policy, trade, supply chains, investment, and strategic autonomy. The research presented highlighted key vulnerabilities in sectors such as fuels, mining products, chemicals, and basic metals, while also pointing to a gradual shift in supply chains towards intra-EU partners for certain strategic goods. Discussions underscored the role of more targeted policy tools from state aid and foreign investment promotion to venture capital in supporting innovation and growth. At the same time, speakers emphasised that relying on outdated policy frameworks may carry real costs, signalling the importance of adapting instruments such as merger guidelines to current global realities.

Overall, the conference delivered a clear message: deeper integration within the Single Market remains one of the EU’s most effective tools for resilience. While significant untapped potential persists particularly in services participants agreed that more targeted reforms and better coordination can help unlock these opportunities and strengthen the EU’s economic foundations.

For more details, please visit European Commission’s official website.