Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and the Council, adopted on 2 October 2018, aims to create a single digital gateway that offers easy online access to essential information, administrative procedures, and problem-solving services for citizens and businesses operating within the EU. The regulation seeks to enhance the functioning of the internal market by addressing fragmentation in online services, eliminating obstacles to cross-border activities, and promoting the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.

The single digital gateway, integrated into the ‘Your Europe’ portal, provides access to a wide range of services, including information on rights and obligations under EU and national laws, guidance on online and offline procedures, and links to assistance and problem-solving mechanisms such as SOLVIT, the European Consumer Centres, and the Enterprise Europe Network. A key feature of the regulation is the implementation of the ‘once-only' principle, which enables the automatic exchange of evidence between competent authorities across Member States, thereby reducing bureaucratic requirements.

To ensure accessibility and usability, the regulation mandates high-quality information provision, multilingual support, and compliance with web accessibility standards. Member States and the European Commission share responsibility for maintaining and updating the system, ensuring transparency and efficiency. By streamlining interactions with public administrations, the regulation significantly enhances the digitalisation of government services and strengthens citizens’ and businesses’ ability to operate across EU borders.