On 14 June 1985, the European Commission submits to the Council its White Paper on the completion of the internal market which sets out a timetable for the measures required for the completion of the single market by 31 December 1992 at the latest.

In this interview excerpt, Jacques Delors, President of the Commission of the European Communities from 1985 to 1995, describes the imbalance between monetary union and the lack of coordination of economic policies, and discusses the publication of the 1993 White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment.

Meeting of the Commission of the European Communities presided by Jacques Delors, in office from 7 January 1985 to 5 January 1989.

On 18 May 1987, the European Commission sends a second report to the Council and the European Parliament a report in which it considers the progress made in the implementation of the Commission’s White Paper on the completion of the internal market.

On 26 November 1987, Leo Tindemans, Belgian Foreign Minister from 1981 to 1988, delivers an address to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Antwerp on the establishment of the single internal market in Europe.

On 15 October 1987, the European Parliament adopts a resolution on the European Commission’s White Paper on the completion of the internal market.

Conclusions of the Commission White Paper on ‘Growth, competitiveness, and employment’, which was approved by the European Council on 11 December 1993 and recommends increased cooperation in research and development, the adoption of a new development model taking into account the environment and qualitative needs, and action to be taken regarding the employment market.

In December 1987, Daniel Lebègue, Chief Executive Officer of the Banque Nationale de Paris, reports on the major issues surrounding the establishment of the future European internal market.

On 4 July 1988, the German weekly magazine Der Spiegel highlights the dangers of a single European market where economic liberalism is more important than the social and political dimension of Europe.

On 30 November 1988, at the 5th seminar for food industry entrepreneurs in Cologne, Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl gives an address on the implications and advantages of the future internal market for German trade and industry.