oday, the S&D Group led a coalition in the European Parliament to establish a single digital gateway to reduce administrative burden for citizens and businesses across the EU. The gateway will facilitate the access of information on administrative procedures by lifting language barriers and physical presence restrictions. Citizens and business will now be able to access information and procedures in a single place, regardless of where they reside in the EU.

 

The author of the Parliament’s report on the single digital gateway, S&D MEP Marlene Mizzi, said:

 

“We all know how frustrating it can be looking for information or trying to submit documents to public services. Physical presence is required in most cases, whereas citizens and business have to re-submit the same documents repeatedly. The procedures can be even more confusing when trying to access information or complete administrative procedures online, let alone when in a different member state and in an unknown language. The creation of a single digital gateway will end this by bringing together several sources of information at the national and EU level via a single digital entry point to ensure better online access for citizens and businesses.”

 

“I am delighted by the result of the vote. By fully backing the report on the single digital gateway, the European Parliament showed its support for a truly digital Europe that benefits all. This is a big victory for citizens and business alike, as they will now be able to request information and submit documents online in a second EU language, regardless of their country of residence. In particular, the "once only" principle will enable citizens and business to submit information only once. Thanks to our efforts, the gateway will cover a broader range of information and procedures than initially foreseen by the European Commission. We also made sure that the gateway regulation will be implemented in compliance with the new data protection rules.”

 

S&D Group spokesperson for the internal market and consumer protection, Nicola Danti, added:

 

“Today’s vote is a major step forward towards proper e-government throughout the Union. By rendering information and procedures more accessible, the gateway facilitates not only the lives of citizens and businesses across Europe, but also improves their interaction with public administrations.”

 

“The digitalisation of government services is also crucial for bringing the Single Market closer to reaching its full potential. The fact the gateway will be user-friendly and multilingual will help start-ups and SMEs wishing to start operating in other EU member states. The language provision reflects not only plurality in Europe, but also ensures access to equal opportunities for all. For us it is important that accessibility also extends to people with disabilities. To this end, we proposed new provisions that guarantee their access.”