According to the European Central Bank, the single market has increased the European Union's GDP by between 12% and 22% since its creation in 1993.

Omissions

• The MEP stated 'GDP' but the ECB research measures 'real GDP per capita' — a different metric that accounts for population growth. Total GDP growth over the same period could differ from per capita growth.
• The ECB figure applies to 'founding member countries' of the Single Market, not the entire European Union as stated. The study specifically looks at the original Single Market members.
• The period studied by the ECB is 1993–2014, not 'since its creation in 1993' up to the present day (2026). The 12-22% estimate does not capture any effects from 2015 onwards.
• The ECB research is a working paper (No. 2392, published in 2020), representing staff research rather than an official ECB policy position, though it was later cited in the ECB Economic Bulletin.

Sources

• PrimaryECB Working Paper No. 2392 — Baldwin vs. Cecchini revisited: the growth impact of the European Single MarketWe find that the Single Market has raised real GDP per capita by 12%-22% for the aggregate Single Market area looking at its founding member countries.
• PrimaryECB Economic Bulletin Issue 8, 2025ECB research indicates that between 1993 and 2014 the Single Market increased real GDP per capita by 12-22% across founding Member States.
• SecondarySmall Business Standards (SBS) — 30 Years of the single market – The role of standardsIn 2020, the European Central Bank calculated that the single market has raised real GDP per capita by between 12% and 22% since its inception.