The Malmö Declaration commits EU public administrations to promote open standard to ease the path for the new products. It also commits to align national interoperability frameworks with applicable European frameworks.

The Granada Declaration complements the Malmö Declaration on eGovernment by encouraging the development of more efficient interoperable public services that promotes the re-use of public sector information, increase the efficiency of government and lead to a measurable reduction in administrative burdens on citizens and businesses as well as contribute to a low-carbon economy.

What is the problem? Absence of common standards

Europe does not yet reap the maximum benefits from interoperability. Weaknesses in standard-setting, public procurement and coordination between European public authorities prevent digital services and devices working across borders as well as they should.

Why is the EU action required? Guidance for standardisation

This action is the "umbrella" action for the Interoperability and Standards Pillar of the Digital Agenda. See other actions of the same pillar.

What will the Commission do?

The European Commission will establish a framework to provide guidance on the selection of standards and specifications to the Member States by the end 2011.

In 2012, will launch a new Large Scale Pilot within the CIP ICT PSP with the aim of developing and demonstrating EU-wide interoperability between national systems in the public sector.

Contact:

mechthild.rohen@ec.europa.eu