The single European market can not continue to operate centrally from Brussels, commissioner for the internal market and services Charlie McCreevy told a forum on Europe last night.
Speaking on the European Commission's forthcoming single market review to the European Youth Parliament in Dublin Castle, Mr McCreevy said that in a union of 27, Brussels alone could not deliver the single market project.
He said a more modern single market would be jointly managed by the community and the member states - it would be more decentralised, network-oriented and "based on a common sense of ownership".
"The focus needs to change from removing internal borders to becoming a springboard for European companies in the world, and making Europe an attractive place to invest," he said.
"The commission is committed to maximising Europe's global influence and building strong ties with our partners."
He acknowledged that some people perceived the single market as a Trojan horse for globalisation, but said the EU could demonstrate its importance on the world stage by how it was managed.
"For instance, if the EU adopts new environmental standards for cars, all manufacturers world-wide need to meet them, so there is a good chance the EU standards will become global standards." The review would not result in a new raft of legislation, he added.
Last night's event was hosted by the National Forum on Europe as part of the European Youth Parliament's Dublin 2007 programme, which continues all week.
The theme was Europe at 50 and beyond: the challenges for Europe over the next 50 years.
Mr McCreevy told more than 300 young people from 29 countries that he was optimistic about Europe, not because he was a natural optimist or had "gone native" after spending three years as commissioner, but because he had seen what European integration could bring.
Offering advice to the politicians of the future, he said he had strong opinions and was never afraid to state them, even when his own party did not share them.
"Being a so-called maverick helped me to get re-elected," he said.
As part of the European Youth Parliament session, these young people will debate issues including global warming and migration.
Their resolutions will be forwarded to the European Parliament and European Commission for discussion.
