(Strasbourg) The strengthening of the Single Market is at the centre of the European debate in a time that is challenged by digital transition, climate change and geopolitical tensions. Speaking from the floor in Strasbourg on opening the session, today the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, defined the Single Market as “a cornerstone of who we are as Europeans”, capable of ensuring growth, employment and high standards as well as projecting the EU as a global player. With a population of 450 million and an 18 thousand billion euros market, the Single Market is still “the most effective tool, not only for prosperity but also for strategic influence”. However, Von der Leyen warned, “just preserving the Single Market as we know is not enough: it can only remain fit for purpose if we modernise it, complete it and adapt it to the challenges of today”. The priorities listed by the President include the removal of existing barriers, a rush to digitalisation, an improvement of digital capabilities, and the development of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, with new measures announced – such as the “Chips Act 2.0” and Cloud and AI  laws – to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. In addition, Von der Leyen pointed to the need to integrate sustainability with strategic independence in market rules, by supporting clean supply chains and trade agreements, without neglecting the social dimension: “the Single Market is not just about companies, it is about people”, she said, as she mentioned labour mobility, inclusion and quality employment.