Brussels,

DIGITAL & SOCIETY

Digital public services and environments

The EU is actively promoting the transition to smart public services and smart cities to harness the potential of technology and provide efficient and accessible services to citizens and businesses. This effort aims to break down barriers and ensure cross-border accessibility to public services.

The Commission has taken several actions to facilitate this transition. It focuses on enabling interoperability between European platforms, funding e-participation projects, promoting the sharing of solutions through the JoinUp platform, and standardizing electronic health records.

A crucial aspect of smart public services is establishing secure digital identities, allowing individuals and businesses to authenticate themselves online. This digital identity ensures trust and enables seamless interaction with online services.

The EU also supports the development of smart cities, which utilize technology and data collection through sensors to enhance efficiency. For instance, smart energy meters help optimize heating in buildings, while transportation data can improve road capacity and reduce environmental impact. Smart cities also provide direct benefits to citizens, such as safer public spaces and support for an aging population.

Through these efforts, the EU aims to create a digital environment that fosters innovation, enhances public services, and improves the overall quality of life for its citizens.

Actions already taken by the Commission include:
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• ensuring European platforms can work together and interact with one another;
• funding large-scale e-participation projects;
• encouraging public services, businesses and citizens to share solutions through the JoinUp platform;
• standardising electronic health records.

Useful links

> Go To JoinUp Platform
​> Go To Smart Cities Page