Single European Act

Act signed in 1986 (and in force from July 1987) to establish a single European market, defined as an area without frontiers in which free movement of goods, services, people, and capital is ensured.

The act was the first major revision of the Treaties of Rome. It provided for greater involvement of the European Parliament in the decision-making process, and the introduction of qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers (now the Council of the European Union) for some policy areas. In addition, it included provisions concerning collaboration in research and development and in environmental policy.