Deepening the EU’s Single Market for Services

Author/Editor:

Christian H Ebeke ; Jan-Martin Frie ; Louise Rabier

Publication Date:

December 6, 2019

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

The services sector is increasingly important for the euro area economy, but productivity growth in the sector has stalled over the past two decades. Remaining barriers to cross-border trade in services within the EU Single Market contribute to this weak performance. Our empirical analysis suggests that slow progress in tackling these barriers is associated with political economy factors such as weak government support in parliaments, low government efficiency and high markups. To remove the cross-border restrictions on services trade, we suggest combining incentives such as financial support, technical assistance and improved communication on barriers with more effective enforcement.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2019/269

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

December 6, 2019

ISBN/ISSN:

9781513520681/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2019269

Pages:

21

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