Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 Of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012

Summary

The internal market of the European Union (EU) aims to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital, thereby providing opportunities for citizens and businesses. This Regulation is part of the Single Market Strategy to maximize the market’s potential, making it easier for citizens and businesses to operate across borders. The Digital Single Market Strategy highlights the internet’s role in transforming access to information, fostering innovation, growth, and jobs. The regulation introduces a user-friendly digital gateway to offer comprehensive information, procedures, and assistance for navigating the internal market.

The European Parliament and the Council have called for streamlined and accessible services to support cross-border activities, enhancing transparency, consumer confidence, and reducing business compliance costs. The gateway aims to provide clear, concise information tailored to users’ needs, covering national and EU rules. It excludes national judicial systems but includes courts managing business registers. The Regulation addresses language barriers and geographical challenges, enabling online access to information and procedures, thus supporting cross-border users. Various sectorial one-stop shops and networks, like Your Europe and SOLVIT, aim to assist users, but existing services remain fragmented, lacking in quality and awareness, which this Regulation seeks to improve.