The Single Digital Gateway (SDG) simplifies access to digital government services across the European Union through the ‘Your Europe‘ portal. This platform directs users to the appropriate websites in various member states. ‘Your Europe’ enables both citizens and businesses to easily find reliable information on government services, products, and procedures in Europe. Some procedures are even available to complete online.
Considering starting a business in Germany? Moving to Spain? Or studying in Italy? By the end of 2023, EU residents will find it easier to interact with European governments.
European regulation
In October 2018, the European Parliament adopted the Single Digital Gateway regulation, placing a legal obligation on the Netherlands for its implementation.
Implementation principles
The Dutch Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, have set out principles for implementing the SDG. Dutch government organisations subject to this regulation are primarily responsible for its implementation. However, for certain a joint, nationwide approach was adopted to ease the burden on individual organisations. This has led to a central coordination of the SDG’s implementation.
Responsibilities of government organisations
The SDG regulation encompasses three main pillars, with organisations determining which elements apply to them. The extent of work required varies, depending on the information and procedures offered by an organisation.
- Government organisations are required to provide online information about services relevant to cross-border activities, such as travel, work or pensions, vehicles, residence, education or internships, healthcare, and civil and family rights. This information must be available in Dutch and English and meet specific quality standards. Competent authorities had a deadline of December 2020, while local governments had until December 2022.
- Government organisations must make relevant procedures for cross-border users, such as moving, starting a business, or studying, digitally accessible by December 12, 2023.
- Additionally, support services must be available online for users who need assistance with the provided information and procedures.
Local government implementation resources
The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), the Association of Provincial Authorities (IPO), and the Dutch Water Authorities have each developed a joint SDG implementation solution for their members: An SDG implementation resource. This solution facilitates easier SDG integration for municipalities, provinces, and water authorities.
Once Only Principle
The Once Only Principle (OOP) grants citizens and businesses the right to allow governments to digitally exchange relevant documents on their behalf. Various implementation options for the OOP are being developed for Dutch government organisations.
National Coordinator
In the Netherlands, the National Coordinator (NC) for the SDG is responsible for coordinating the regulation’s implementation. The coordinator serves as the primary liaison to the European Commission and other EU countries and is supported by the Office of the National Coordinator SDG.
