The COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid spread of the virus in Europa has greatly increased the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, protective suits or goggles and medical devices such as surgical masks, examination gloves and certain types of gowns.

The European Commission has recently renewed its strategy for the enforcement of single market rules. The plan published on 10 March 2020 aims to break down the barriers to a well-functioning single market.

At a first glance it appears to be a wide-ranging and long-term plan with a significant package of initiatives. 

The plan seems very ambitious and one wonders whether it will be applied in full or in part, also considering the recent outbreak that is threatening the free movement of goods and people.