Jorge Sousa, a representative from the Portugal’s Administrative Modernisation Agency, highlighted the importance of these events in creating awareness and in bringing national authorities closer to the European Commission. He explained that the Roadshow in Portugal played a crucial role in spreading the word about the tools and policies developed at European level to encourage the digitalisation of public services. He found the sessions especially helpful in strengthening and consolidating his understanding, as well as in identifying practical ways to continue developing and reusing interoperable tools to serve national needs. Jorge Sousa also highlighted the value of making meaningful connections during the Roadshow, especially on the first day, when national authorities directly engaged with the European Commission representatives. He noted that, on the other hand, this was also a chance for national authorities to show the efforts made and that these are all part of larger and Europe-wide projects, thus increasing mutual understanding and trust at different governance levels. 

Both the Portuguese and the Dutch representatives expressed strong support for the Roadshows and encouraged replicating such initiatives across other EU Member States. 

These events have proven to be key opportunities for the two countries and as highlighted by Patrick Knoester and Jorge Sousa, they enabled participants to address pressing topics, engage directly with the European Commission, and align on further steps and events. In brief, the Interoperable Europe Roadshows are more than a space for discussion, they are opportunities to bring European policies closer to the community and to turn them into practical and collaborative actions that can contribute to driving digital transformation across Europe.

To learn more about the topics discussed during the Roadshows, read the Reports available below.