Interoperability regulatory sandboxes: A safe space for public sector innovation is now possible
more news
Public administrations across the EU now have the opportunity to establish interoperability regulatory sandboxes designed to accelerate cross-border digital innovation. As part of the Interoperable Europe Act (IEA) and with the European Commission’s Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1420 of 17 July 2025 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/903 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as regards the establishment and the operation of the interoperability regulatory sandboxes having entered into force today, structured environments are now in place for public authorities to collaboratively test new digital solutions safely and effectively. These sandboxes help simplify complex legal processes, enabling practical experimentation and quicker deployment of innovative interoperability projects thus marking a significant step toward smarter, seamless cross-border public services.
For many public administrations, especially those in smaller or less digitally mature Member States, navigating complex legal frameworks while trying to implement new digital tools can be daunting. Regulatory sandboxes offer a structured way to engage the right stakeholders, raise visibility around legal bottlenecks, and identify solutions with real potential. The result? A collaborative environment where everyone has a seat at the table, regardless of size or resources.
This initiative aligns closely with the core objectives of the Interoperable Europe Act - bringing legal, organisational, semantic, and technical dimensions into one conversation. By doing so, it creates the right conditions to overcome barriers to the Single Market in a practical, cooperative way.
While the Implementing Act sets the basic guardrails for launching and operating sandboxes, it avoids a rigid, prescriptive approach. Instead, the Act includes a practical checklist to help interested administrations organise their collaboration. The only core requirements are:
-
a clearly defined legal question;
-
a link to an innovative interoperability solution;
-
and involvement of at least three public administrations - ideally from different Member States or EU institutions. Importantly, interoperability regulatory sandboxes are not funding instruments, nor do they follow fixed application windows. They are designed to be agile and adaptable and are open to spontaneous cooperation and creative exploration. Each initiative must notify the European Commission through the Interoperable Europe Portal, which acts as the central hub for all relevant information. There, participants can find guidance, join the community forum, and access background materials and, in the future, sandbox results.
Interoperability regulatory sandboxes are a tool to allow for innovation to be tested in real-world conditions, where unexpected legal questions often arise. This instrument may allow some regulatory sandbox projects to focus on applying existing EU policy tools in new ways, it may also focus on updating regulations or creating new legislative responses. What matters is the regulatory learning of this process, as it provides valuable insights into how legal frameworks can adapt to support emerging innovations effectively. Transparency and knowledge-sharing will be key. Every sandbox must report on its outcomes, both interim and final, with results discussed by the Interoperable Europe Board. These reports will be published on the Portal to ensure broad visibility and learning across the community. A consultation on a light yet effective reporting structure is planned for the Autumn of 2025, with further details to be shared via the newsletter.
The Interoperable Europe Portal offers a growing set of resources, including a dedicated interoperability regulatory sandbox platform. Over time, this space will evolve into a full knowledge hub hosting completed sandbox reports, a GovTech navigation wiki, and a collaborative platform for future innovators.
With the legal framework now in place, the sandbox is ready and public administrations across Europe are invited to connect, co-create, and take bold steps toward seamless digital public services together! The Public Sector Tech Watch (PSTW) complements these efforts by tracking and showcasing how emerging technologies are explored within sandbox environments, helping to share lessons learned and inspire further innovation across Member States.
More information: