Commission launches consultation on a 'Single Digital Gateway'

Today the European Commission is launching a public consultation on the Single Digital Gateway, an instrument that will provide user-friendly access to information, e-procedures and advice services throughout Europe.

Citizens and businesses who want to move to another EU country, do business or buy products from abroad are often confronted with a lack of information available online, limited access to assistance and no possibility to use e-procedures across borders.

As a result, they do not move, buy or sell to other EU countries, which in turn stifles job creation and slows down economic growth.

In the Single Market Strategy and the Digital Single Market Strategy the Commission announced the creation of a Single Digital Gateway – an online tool providing all the information that entrepreneurs and citizens need to move or do business in another EU country.

Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska, responsible for the Internal market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs said: "Citizens and business are often confused or feel let down when they want to move or do business in another EU country. They are not aware of their rights or simply do not dare to act on them. We need to create the conditions and tools that will allow them to tap into opportunities the EU Single Market offers. If we are to restore citizens' trust in the European project, create jobs, build a competitive economy, and retain an influence in the world, we must unleash the full potential of the Single Market."

The Gateway will focus on addressing the current information gap and fragmentation by integrating, completing and improving relevant EU and national-level online information, assistance services and procedures in a user-friendly way.

It aims to guide users through the whole process, from accessing information to getting advice and assistance when encountering problems.

The consultation on the Single Digital Gateway will be open until 21 November 2016.

The Commission seeks the views of entrepreneurs, citizens and public administrations as well as other stakeholders on how to best develop such a tool according to the needs of its users.