Why it matters
Joined-up public services depend on agencies sharing data securely and lawfully. Progress often depends on governance and trust as much as on technology.
Agencies often hold information that could improve services elsewhere, while legal uncertainty and differing systems slow sharing. Clear frameworks, standard agreements and trusted infrastructure help.
By the numbers
71.9%of EU citizens used online public services in 2025 1
38.2%submitted tax declarations online 1
Find information
Access personal information
Submit tax declarations
Source: Eurostat, E-government services used by 72% of people in the EU, March 2026
What's changing
- Data-sharing frameworks and agreements are becoming more standardised.
- Privacy-enhancing technologies allow analysis without full data transfer.
- Interoperability standards support data exchange.
How leaders are responding
- Starting with clear use cases and legal bases.
- Establishing data stewardship roles.
- Publishing data-sharing agreements.
What good looks like
- Legal bases for each data exchange agreed upfront
- Common data standards and identifiers across agencies
- Citizens able to see which agency used their data and why
What to watch
- National data-sharing legislation and frameworks.
- Privacy-enhancing technologies in government.
- Interoperability standards for public data.
Where to start
Start with one service outcome that needs data from two agencies, and agree the legal basis, data standards and governance.
Questions for your leadership team
- Which outcomes require data from more than one agency?
- What legal basis applies?
- How do we maintain public trust?
