Barry Andrews: We Are Sanctioning Ourselves on Services

Barry Andrews, MEP, told Parliament that the IMF finds failing to complete the single market for services is equivalent to imposing a 110% tariff on ourselves. He argued the real obstacle is domestic barriers in member states, and called for an end to foot-dragging.

IMF finding and central claim

Barry Andrews cites the recent IMF conclusion that an incomplete single market for services amounts to a 110% tariff equivalent on the EU. He told colleagues that this is effectively a self-inflicted sanction and urged action to remove the burden.

Member-state barriers as the root cause

Andrews emphasised that the IMF itself points to substantial domestic barriers to entry in services in several countries. He said the problem is not Brussels alone but member-state protection that keeps services markets closed.

Examples and consequences

He named Italy as having one of the most highly protected services sectors and described Germany as a fortress of services. Andrews quoted a Financial Times example that in over 30 years of the single market only one French baker had his credentials recognised in Germany, to underline failures in professional recognition.

What Andrews is urging

Barry Andrews called on member states to stop foot-dragging and to lift the sanctions they impose on their own businesses by opening services markets. He framed the issue as urgent for the functioning of the single market and for European competitiveness.