From shadow to formal economy: Levelling the playing field in the Single Market

The size of the shadow economy in the EU in 2012 was estimated at approximately €235 trillion. The shadow economy represents a threat to the Single Market, leads to substantial budgetary difficulties and puts considerable pressure on legitimate businesses. In the longer run, it limits the potential growth of the formal economy.

A substantial reduction of the size of the shadow economy would ensure that consumers, businesses in the formal economy and employees are better protected and improve the level playing field on the Single Market. It could also raise up to €285 billion in additional revenues annually.