The European union landscape on interoperability standardisation: Status of European and national interoperability frameworks

Abstract

Interoperability between public administrations was recognized by the European Commission (EC) with the launch of the Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA). In 2004 the first version of the European Interoperability Framework for pan-European eGovernment Services EIF V1.0 was published followed by EIF V2.0 in 2010 and in 2017 the New EIF. This paper initially presents a summary in the landscape of interoperability, specifically a brief study on the EIF, NIFs (National Interoperability Frameworks), ISA and ISA 2 (interoperability solutions for public administrations, businesses and citizens) programmes with focus on the EIF and its implementation in MS’ (member states) NIFs. How NIFs are currently utilized and what is beyond after the alignment or implementation with EIF. The description starts with some basic definitions and a review on the status of current EIF and NIFs in European countries and in several non-European countries. According to the New EIF’s principles, layers, recommendations and model a comparison is made so as to recognize major commonalities and significant differences between EIFs and principles in the NIFs. The contribution after comparison and identification of gaps provides a short summary of outcomes, recommendations and new directions mainly in relation to the outburst of current trends.