57. How will the Commission create the common Union repository for the interoperability of data processing services?

The process is laid down in Article 35 of the Data Act. The repository will take the form of an online platform. It will become a one-stop-shop for providers to see which harmonised standards or common specifications (on the basis of open interoperability specifications) apply to the type of service they offer. Upon publication of a standard or a specification in the repository, providers have one year to ensure that their services are compatible with the referenced standard or specification. The aim is to ensure that cloud services are interoperable so that customers can benefit from switching without losing functionalities, and to make it easier for providers to support their customers in the switching process. As a first step, in September 2025, the Commission has concluded a mapping of existing harmonised standards and open interoperability specifications that qualify for recognition in the repository. On this basis, the Commission will undertake the next steps for publishing relevant standards or specifications in the repository: Before the Commission can publish a harmonised standard or a common specification in the repository, it must consult relevant stakeholders and adopt an implementing act. Following these steps, the first version of the repository will be published on europa.eu and will be progressively filled with more relevant harmonised standards and common specifications per service type.