Brussels,

The EU Now Seeks Integration of All Digital Services

The Interoperable Europe Act has officially come into force in July, marking a significant milestone in the European Union's journey towards digital transformation
The Interoperable Europe Act, in force from 12 July 2024, aims to have 100% of key public services available online by 2030. This transformative legislation will simplify mobility with mutual recognition of qualifications, enhance road safety with digital driving licenses, and improve access to healthcare and social security data across borders. Additionally, it will streamline taxation and customs processes and increase transparency in public tenders. Supported by the Digital Europe Programme, the Act is expected to save up to 5 billion EUR annually and drive innovation, making life more convenient and efficient for EU citizens.


​By Paolo Licandro
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BRUSSELS, July 29, 2024 – 8 MINUTES READ

​Here we are with a new profound revolution that will change our life.

​The Interoperable Europe Act is a new EU Regulation and it has officially come into force in July, marking a significant milestone in the European Union's journey towards digital transformation.

​This legislative initiative is set to play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious objectives of the Digital Decade, notably the goal of having 100% of key public services available online by 2030. This includes critical services that necessitate cross-border data exchange, fundamentally enhancing the digital landscape of Europe.

This moment is reminiscent of other transformative EU revolutions that have profoundly changed citizens' lives. Think back to the inception of the Schengen Agreement, which removed border controls between many European countries, enabling free movement of people and goods. Just as it was hard to imagine a Europe without internal borders, it’s challenging now to foresee the full impact of seamless digital interoperability. Yet, as Schengen revolutionized travel and commerce, the Interoperable Europe Act promises to reshape how citizens interact with public services.

Another landmark transformation was the introduction of the Euro, which unified the currency across many EU member states, simplifying trade and travel and fostering a stronger economic bond between nations. The Interoperable Europe Act could similarly unify digital processes and standards, making it easier for citizens to live, work, and do business across the continent.

The Act aims to integrate and streamline digital services such as the mutual recognition of academic diplomas, digital driving licenses, access to social security and health data, taxation information exchanges, public tender processes, and commercial registers. This integration will not only save up to 5 billion EUR annually through reduced administrative overheads but also create a more cohesive and efficient European digital space.

Just as past EU initiatives have broken down barriers and fostered unity, the Interoperable Europe Act stands to break down digital barriers, fostering a new era of digital unity and efficiency.

​The possibilities are vast and far-reaching. Imagine a future where moving to another EU country is as simple as updating your address online, or accessing your health records from any EU healthcare provider without hassle. The Act is a step towards a more connected and integrated Europe, one where digital borders are as seamless as the physical ones, creating a truly united digital landscape.

The Content of the Interoperable Europe Act

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  • Enhancing Cross-Border Digital Services

​The Act is tailored to facilitate various cross-border services, significantly benefiting citizens, businesses, and public administrations across Europe.

These services include:
  1. Mutual Recognition of Academic Diplomas and Professional Qualifications: Ensuring that academic and professional credentials are recognized across member states, simplifying mobility for professionals and students.
  2. Digital Driving Licenses and Vehicle Data Exchange: Improving road safety and administrative efficiency by standardizing digital driving licenses and vehicle data across borders.
  3. Access to Social Security and Health Data: Enabling seamless access to social security and health information, ensuring that citizens receive uninterrupted services irrespective of their location within the EU.
  4. Exchange of Taxation and Customs Information: Streamlining tax and customs processes to foster a more integrated and efficient fiscal environment.
  5. Public Tender Accreditation: Simplifying the accreditation process for public tenders, promoting transparency and competition.
  6. Commercial Registers: Enhancing the accessibility and interoperability of commercial registers, fostering business development and cross-border commerce.
 
  • Significant Economic Impact

The implementation of the Interoperable Europe Act is expected to yield substantial economic benefits. According to impact assessments, the Act could save up to 5 billion EUR annually. These savings will stem from reduced administrative costs, increased efficiency, and the elimination of redundant processes.

  • Strategic Implementation Measures

The successful execution of the Act will be driven by a series of strategic measures:

  1. Multi-Level Governance Framework: A comprehensive governance structure will be established, spearheaded by the Interoperable Europe Board. This framework will define and oversee the interoperability agenda, ensuring coordinated efforts across all levels.
  2. Mandatory Interoperability Assessments: All public sector bodies, including European institutions, will be required to undergo interoperability assessments. The European Commission will provide detailed guidelines to support these assessments.
  3. Interoperable Europe Portal: A dedicated portal will serve as a one-stop shop for all interoperability-related information. It will offer training and support materials to facilitate smooth implementation and compliance.
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  • Supportive Tools and Initiatives

To aid stakeholders in the transition, the European Commission has developed a robust set of tools and training programs.

These include:

  • EIF Toolbox: A comprehensive toolkit for implementing interoperability frameworks.
  • SEMIC Support Centre: Providing specialized support for semantic interoperability.
  • JoinUp Platform: A collaborative platform for sharing and reusing IT solutions.
  • Interoperable Europe Academy: Offering training and educational resources.

Additionally, the GovTech Incubator initiative will encourage governments to adopt cutting-edge solutions developed by startups and other member states, fostering innovation and best practices.

Funding Through Digital Europe Programme

The implementation of the Interoperable Europe Act will be financially supported by the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), ensuring adequate resources for achieving its objectives.

How the Interoperable Europe Act Will Transform Citizens' Lives

The Interoperable Europe Act, which has come into force today, is poised to bring significant changes to the daily lives of European citizens. By fostering seamless cross-border digital services and interoperability, the Act will enhance convenience, efficiency, and accessibility in various aspects of life.

Here’s how this transformative legislation will impact citizens:

1. Simplified Mobility and Employment Opportunities
  • Recognition of Academic and Professional Qualifications: Citizens moving to another EU country for work or study will benefit from the mutual recognition of their academic diplomas and professional qualifications. This will eliminate the need for redundant certifications, making it easier to pursue educational and career opportunities abroad.

2. Enhanced Road Safety and Efficiency
  • Digital Driving Licenses: The introduction of digital driving licenses, which are recognized across borders, will streamline administrative processes for drivers. This means that citizens can travel and drive in other EU countries without the hassle of carrying physical documents or dealing with bureaucratic hurdles.

3. Improved Access to Healthcare and Social Security
  • Cross-Border Health and Social Security Data: Access to social security and health data will become more straightforward, ensuring that citizens receive necessary services and benefits without delays, even when they are in another EU country. For instance, accessing medical history or social benefits while traveling or relocating will be much easier.

4. Streamlined Taxation and Customs Processes
  • Tax and Customs Information Exchange: The exchange of information related to taxation and customs will be more efficient, reducing the burden on citizens dealing with cross-border tax issues. This will lead to faster processing times and fewer administrative complications when moving goods or handling tax matters.

5. Increased Transparency in Public Tenders
  • Public Tender Accreditation: By simplifying the accreditation process for public tenders, the Act promotes greater transparency and fairness. Citizens and businesses will have more opportunities to participate in public projects and procurements across the EU.

6. Easier Business Operations
  • Interoperable Commercial Registers: Entrepreneurs and business owners will benefit from the streamlined access to commercial registers. This will facilitate business operations, expansions, and collaborations across different EU member states, fostering a more dynamic and integrated market.
What for Citizens?


The Interoperable Europe Act aims to make a wide range of key public services available online and interoperable across EU member states by 2030. Here are the specific services that will benefit from enhanced cross-border interoperability:


  • Mutual Recognition of Academic Diplomas and Professional Qualifications:
    • Simplifies the process for citizens to have their academic and professional credentials recognized across different EU countries, aiding mobility for education and employment.
 
  • Digital Driving Licenses and Vehicle Data Exchange:
    • Ensures that digital driving licenses are recognized EU-wide and facilitates the exchange of vehicle data to improve road safety and administrative efficiency.
 
  • Access to Social Security and Health Data:
    • Provides citizens with seamless access to their social security and health records when they move or travel within the EU, ensuring continuity of care and benefits.
 
  • Exchange of Taxation and Customs Information:
    • Streamlines the process of sharing tax and customs information across borders, reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency in financial and customs matters.
 
  • Public Tender Accreditation:
    • Simplifies the accreditation process for participating in public tenders, promoting greater transparency and accessibility for businesses across the EU.
 
  • Commercial Registers:
    • Enhances the interoperability of commercial registers, making it easier for businesses to operate and expand across different member states.

Practical Benefits in Daily Life

  • Time and Cost Savings: The Act is projected to save up to 5 billion EUR annually by reducing administrative overheads and improving efficiency. These savings can translate into lower costs for public services and reduced tax burdens for citizens.
  • Access to Centralized Resources: The Interoperable Europe Portal will provide citizens with a centralized hub for all interoperability-related information, training, and support materials. This will empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
  • Enhanced Digital Literacy and Skills: Through initiatives like the Interoperable Europe Academy, citizens will have access to training programs that enhance digital literacy and skills, preparing them for the demands of a digitalized society.

Supporting Innovation and Growth

  • GovTech Incubator Initiative: This initiative will encourage the adoption of innovative solutions developed by startups and other governments. Citizens will benefit from the latest technological advancements in public services, enhancing their overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the Interoperable Europe Act, now in force, aims to ensure that 100% of key public services are available online by 2030. This initiative will simplify mobility, enhance road safety, improve access to healthcare, streamline tax processes, and increase transparency in public tenders.

Supported by the Digital Europe Programme, the Act promises significant economic savings and drives innovation, making life more convenient and efficient for EU citizens.

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