CIP sent a response to the public consultation on the Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI), proposed in the European Commission communication of 5 May 2021, which updates the new Industrial Strategy, and is intended to give rise to the presentation of a legislative proposal (Regulation), in the third quarter of 2022.

The Single Market Emergency Instrument aims to promote the free movement of goods, services, and people and ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains in times of crisis. This Instrument should facilitate the coordination of measures and allow greater transparency in line with this purpose.

The CIP argues that the SMEI must be a legal framework that protects the freedoms of the Single Market (cross-border commercial operations and movement of people) in emergencies. It must be limited to that scope. Furthermore, it must be primarily a crisis response instrument based on proportionality, necessity, and non-discrimination.