Regulation (EU) 2024/903 (Interoperable Europe Act; IEA) aims to promote a high level of cross-border interoperability within the public sector of the European Economic Area (EEA). Its objective is to strengthen the compatibility of digital public services across national and administrative borders, thereby facilitating cooperation between public authorities.  

What does “Interoperability” mean? 

Interoperability refers to the ability of different organisations and IT systems to exchange, understand and jointly use information. The IEA defines cross-border interoperability as the ability of Union entities and public sector bodies of Member States to interact with each other across borders by sharing data, information and knowledge through digital processes in line with the legal, organisational, semantic and technical requirements related to such cross-border interaction (cf. Art. 2(1) IEA). 

It involves not only technical interfaces, but also a common understanding of data, aligned administrative processes and appropriate legal frameworks. Building on the European Interoperability Framework (EIF), four layers are accordingly distinguished: 

This is particularly important in the European internal market: businesses frequently operate in several States, and citizens increasingly work, study or live across borders. Where digital administrative systems are not compatible, evidence has to be provided several times or data have to be transferred manually. The IEA is intended to gradually remove such obstacles. 

The IEA therefore addresses a key challenge in the digital transformation of public administration: digital public services can achieve their full potential only if data, processes, responsibilities, and technical systems work together seamlessly. 

Interoperability therefore goes beyond the mere exchange of data and creates the foundation for more efficient, user-friendly, and consistent public services. 

Key Features of the IEA 

The IEA establishes a common framework within which the Member States and the European Commission coordinate their interoperability efforts. The central steering body is the Interoperable Europe Board (cf. Art. 15 IEA), which, among other things, adopts the Interoperable Europe Agenda setting out common priorities (cf. Art. 19 IEA). In addition, the Interoperable Europe Community (cf. Art. 16 IEA) is open to all interested stakeholders for exchange and expert input. Each Member State also designates one or more competent authorities responsible for the application of the IEA (cf. Art. 17 IEA). 

The Commission monitors the implementation of the IEA and reports annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the state of interoperability in the Union (cf. Art. 20 IEA). It presented the first annual report in December 2025. 

Since January 12, 2025, Union entities and public sector bodies must carry out an interoperability assessment. This applies whenever they introduce new binding requirements for trans-European digital public services or substantially modify existing ones. In doing so, they examine in advance whether the services can also work together smoothly across national borders (cf. Art. 3 IEA). The aim is to identify obstacles to cross-border data exchange at an early stage – ideally already during the legislative or planning phase (“interoperable by design”). The outcome is documented in a report and published. 

One way of achieving interoperability in practice is through so-called interoperability regulatory sandboxes (cf. Arts. 11 and 12 IEA). Within them, Union entities or public sector bodies can develop, test and assess new solutions in a controlled environment together with regulatory and supervisory authorities. Interoperability Regulatory Sandboxes enable cooperation between Union entities or public sector bodies in cross-border projects and provide a framework for testing technical, organisational, and regulatory issues under realistic conditions. The detailed requirements for the establishment and operation of these interoperability regulatory sandboxes are laid down in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1420 (more on this below). 

The IEA thus establishes a framework in which new approaches can be assessed not only from a technical perspective but also from a regulatory standpoint. The interoperability regulatory sandboxes serve as structured learning environments for public authorities and regulators. Particularly in cross-border projects, unresolved legal and implementation issues can be identified and addressed at an early stage. 

 D. Transparency, Information Sharing, and Reuse 

A key objective of the IEA is to facilitate the sharing and reuse of interoperability solutions among Union entities or public sector bodies. Public authorities should thus benefit from the experience of other administrations and avoid duplicate developments. The Board may recommend particularly mature and reusable solutions as “Interoperable Europe solutions” (cf. Art. 6 IEA). Information on interoperability regulatory sandboxes and projects is to be made available through the Interoperable Europe Portal (cf. Art. 12(9) IEA; Art. 6 of the Implementing Regulation). The Portal is not a new creation: in November 2024, the Commission developed it from the existing “Joinup” platform (cf. Art. 8 IEA). Where possible, successfully developed solutions should be made available under open or non-restrictive licensing conditions in order to facilitate their reuse (cf. Art. 4 IEA; Recital 11 of the Implementing Regulation). 

In December 2025, the Board recommended the first two solutions as “Interoperable Europe solutions”: 

Where personal data are processed within interoperability regulatory sandboxes, the IEA requires the involvement of the competent data protection supervisory authorities and the establishment of clear legal safeguards (cf. Arts. 11(1) and (4), and 12(3) and (6) IEA). The Implementing Regulation further specifies these requirements, particularly with regard to the further processing of personal data and the use of project results outside the testing environment (cf. Art. 15(3) of the Implementing Regulation).