UK BASED BUSINESSES ACROSS THE EU

Essay by gucci_isUniversity, Master'sC+, May 2002

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Report on UK based Businesses trading across the EU

2.0 Procedures

Using information from the course, plus as many other sources to research, I will look in;

1.1Newspaper articles

1.2Internet

1.3Marketing materials

1.4Text books

1.5Company publicity materials

3.0 Findings

3.0Introduction

The European Union was originally known as the European Economic Community and was a customs union, which allowed the free movement of goods between member states. On 1st January 1993 all barriers to the free movement of labour and capital were removed to create the Single European Market. For holidaymakers from the UK to mainland Europe the most obvious effect has been that they can bring as much wine, beer and cigarettes as they can carry. For businesses it has meant:

稵he harmonisation of technical standards so that, for example, the rules governing safety standards in the UK also apply across the rest of the EU.

稩t is illegal for governments to favour local suppliers in awarding contracts.

稡order controls have virtually disappeared between many countries.

稵rade barriers in services such as banking and insurance have been eliminated.

3.1Economic Theories relevant to the EU

Economic theories are in place so everyone who is trading across Europe is treated fairly.

Below are the theories that are relevant to the EU.

Competition Policy

Majority of the EU legislation is concerned with regulating the Single Market to produce a 'level playing field' for companies operating across Europe. Competition policy is a major part of the legislation underpinning the single market and can be traced back to the treaty of Rome. It applies to all businesses operating in the EU. Responsibility for ensuring that the rules are followed lies with the commission, which has significant powers. Finding a breach of competition rules the Commission may impose fines, force changes to merger agreements and...