The new regulation aims to ensure cross-border interoperability and efficiency in digital public services at the European level.
The Regulation (EU) 2024/903 of the European Parliament and the Council, known as the Regulation on Interoperable Europe, came into effect on July 12, 2024 with the goal of establishing a regulatory framework that facilitates the exchange of data between public authorities in the Member States and the European Union. This regulatory advancement represents a key milestone in the digital transformation of the European public sector and in the creation of more efficient and accessible digital public services.
The Importance of Interoperability
In an environment where technological integration and the free movement of people, goods, and services are fundamental pillars, interoperability emerges as an essential tool to ensure the operation of cross-European digital public services. From processes like the recognition of academic degrees to the transfer of health and social security data, the ability to share information securely and efficiently among Member States is crucial for strengthening European cooperation.
Among the main areas affected by this regulation are digital public services that apply the principle of “once only”, which means those that allow accessing and sharing cross-border data while avoiding duplication and streamlining processes.
Key Measures of the Regulation
The Regulation introduces various measures aimed at ensuring interoperability and the proper functioning of cross-European digital services:
- Interoperability Assessment:
Starting in January 2025, public entities will be required to conduct a preliminary interoperability assessment before making decisions regarding digital public services. The results of these assessments must be published on official websites in machine-readable formats and automatically translatable. - Sharing Interoperability Solutions:
Entities must share technical documentation, source code, and references to open standards used to develop digital services. This information will be published on the Interoperable Europe Portal, replacing the current Joinup portal. - Creation of Sandboxes:
Controlled testing environments will be enabled to promote innovation in interoperability, allowing public entities to experiment with solutions under strict legal security guarantees and oversight by competent authorities, especially in cases involving personal data. - Governance and Coordination:
A governance committee will be established, composed of representatives from Member States and the European Commission, with the task of overseeing the consistency in the implementation of the Regulation, defining assessment criteria, and promoting the reuse of solutions. Furthermore, each Member State must designate at least one authority as a single point of contact by January 12, 2025.
Toward a More Efficient Public Sector
The implementation of the Regulation on Interoperable Europe not only strengthens the legal framework for cross-border collaboration but also emphasizes the need for a cultural shift within public administrations. The transition to a data-driven document management model allows for easier compliance with regulations such as the Data Governance Regulation and the regulation on personal data protection, promoting the safe and efficient reuse of public information.
A Necessary Advancement for a More Connected Europe
Interoperability is not just a technical issue; it is a prerequisite for ensuring administrative efficiency and transparency, as well as for fostering citizens’ trust in digital public services. The Regulation on Interoperable Europe represents an important step towards a more connected, efficient, and digital Europe, reinforcing the values of collaboration and cooperation in a context where administrative borders should become increasingly less visible.
Source: Portal Datos España