Interoperable Europe: Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Regulation Interoperable Europe entail ?
The Regulation Interoperable Europe provides a legal framework for improving cross-border data flows. In order to improve this so-called cross-border interoperability, with the regulation there is now a legal obligation for public institutions in the European Union to carry out interoperability assessments. It also establishes an Interoperable Europe Board (IEB) and works to increase support for member states in terms of innovation and policy.
What are the benefits of the Interoperable Europe Regulation ?
The regulation should reduce fragmentation and silo formation and benefit the provision and use of digital public services in the EU. Improved interoperability in the EU has the potential to save up to €5 billion per year.
What is the role of the FPS BOSA ?
The FPS BOSA is the national contact point for the Regulation Interoperable Europe in Belgium. This means that FPS BOSA is responsible for coordinating the handling of questions relating to the Regulation raised by Belgian administrations. The FPS BOSA will assist Belgian public entities in drawing up and adapting interoperability assessments at their request. In addition, the FPS BOSA aims to promote the sharing and reuse of interoperability solutions on the Interoperable Europe Portal.
Who participates in the Interoperable Europe Board (IEB) ?
The IEB includes representatives of the European member states and the European Commission. The European Committee of the Regions, the European Cybersecurity Agency ENISA and the European Cybersecurity Network (Cybersecurity Competence Centre) are invited as observers. The FPS BOSA is representing Belgium in the IEB.
What are interoperability assessments ?
An interoperability assessment is a tool for public services to estimate the extent to which the service in question already meets interoperability requirements. Interoperability assessment also allows one to become aware of existing solutions and deploy them, minimizing potential cost and complexity. The Interoperable Europe Regulation includes the minimum requirements for carrying out an interoperability assessment in Article 3 and the annex to the regulation.
Who should carry out an interoperability assessment ? And when ?
All public institutions in the Member States and of the European Union must carry out an interoperability assessment prior to new or substantially changed mandatory requirements related to trans-European digital public services that have an impact on cross-border interoperability.
How to carry out an interoperability assessment ?
Member States are free to choose how they wish to carry out the interoperability assessment, but advice can be sought from the national coordinator. For Belgium, this is on the website www.belgif.be. However, the regulation does require the electronic publication of the assessment in the form of a report. At least these aspects must be included in the report:
- General information
- Union entity or public body providing the report and other relevant information
- Initiative, project or measure concerned