New report recognises the importance of the Interoperable Europe Act for the Digital Single Market

A recently released report by former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta offers a visionary outlook on the future of the European Single Market. The document, commissioned by the European Council and the Commission, proposes strategic enhancements aimed at revitalising the market to meet the demands of a larger, more complex global environment. Notably, the report emphasises the critical role of the Interoperable Europe Act in achieving a seamless Digital Single Market.

Since its inception over thirty years ago, the Single Market has been fundamental to European economic integration and prosperity, the report states. Originally conceptualised by Jacques Delors in 1985, the market facilitated the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital across what was then known as the European Communities. This integration was achieved by eliminating trade barriers, promoting fair competition, and encouraging cooperation among Member States.

However, the world has changed dramatically since the Single Market's establishment. The European Union has expanded, and its internal and external challenges have grown. The report by Enrico Letta is part of a continuous effort to adapt the Single Market to these evolving dynamics. It draws from past reflections and action plans to propose a renewed vision for the market that aligns with current EU strategic objectives and global shifts.

The Role of the Interoperable Europe Act

A highlight in Letta's report is the need for enhanced interoperable digital public services across EU Member States, which is where the Interoperable Europe Act comes into play. Officially integrated into EU law on April 11, 2024, the Act is designed to facilitate better cooperation and data exchange between EU public administrations. This is crucial for the functioning of the Digital Single Market, which relies on seamless data flows to support various services—from the mutual recognition of academic credentials to vehicle data exchanges for road safety.

The report argues that despite existing initiatives, digital services across the EU suffer from limited interoperability. This fragmentation hinders the free movement of goods, services, and capital, posing significant obstacles, especially for SMEs. The Interoperable Europe Act aims to address these challenges by establishing a new governance structure and promoting interoperability solutions for the public sector. This is expected to enhance the efficiency of digital public services, thereby supporting the overall resilience and competitiveness of the EU economy.

Read the full report by Enrico Letta here.