TESTA (Trans-European Services for Telematics between Administrations) is a secure and private IP-based network developed and maintained by the European Commission. It enables confidential data exchange among public administrations and institutions across EU Member States and associated countries, playing a vital role in European digital sovereignty and cross-border interoperability.
The primary objective of the TESTA network is to offer a shared infrastructure that supports EU digital services requiring secure, reliable, and high-performance communication between national and European authorities. Among the many services relying on TESTA are the Schengen Information System (SIS), the customs-related CCN/CSI network, and services in the area of eJustice and health.
Technically, TESTA functions as a closed network, fully separated from the public internet. It is managed under strict governance and service-level agreements to ensure high availability, data integrity, and end-to-end encryption. The network provides seamless communication across domains and includes a Service Desk, incident management, performance monitoring, and continuous updates to maintain compliance with evolving security standards and EU policy frameworks.
One of the major challenges addressed by TESTA is the need for harmonised and trusted digital connectivity between heterogeneous national systems, which often vary significantly in architecture, security protocols, and administrative procedures. TESTA overcomes this by providing a unified platform that reduces complexity and facilitates integration, thus lowering the barrier for digital service provision across borders.
The TESTA network also aligns with key EU digital policy priorities, such as the Digital Europe Programme and the European Interoperability Framework (EIF). Its use supports public sector innovation by ensuring that communication among public authorities is protected, resilient, and efficient—even in the context of increasing cyber threats and geopolitical uncertainty.
As of today, TESTA serves over 60 connected organisations and thousands of individual sites. It continues to evolve in response to new technical, regulatory, and operational requirements, positioning itself as a fundamental enabler of secure digital public services in the European Union. [source]
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Contact point for GOVERNANCE project: Claudio Pascarelli, CINI
