ABSTRACT
Within defined geographical boundaries there are a number of fac tors that distinguish a single economic area from a collection of individual economic areas. A recurring theme in a single economic area is a commonality of laws, systems and structures, the existence of which is both a prerequisite for the creation of such an area and an indication that such an area exists. The European Union (EU) is in the process of transforming the area within its geographical compe tence into a single economic area, or single market, from the collection of individual economic areas that exist at present. As part of this process the laws, systems and structures of the Member States within the EU are moving toward parity with one another.
