Supporting interoperability frameworks in the UK public sector

This paper describes the design and implementation of a component based software application, which alleviates the problem of software interoperability in the UK public sector. We analyze the current interoperability frameworks across the United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) and propose a software solution that enhances such interoperability initiatives. Our example scenario is placed within a UK local authority, which shares data stored within the Police databases, for making efficient and more accurate operational decisions. The prototype, implemented as a J2EE application and built upon existing databases, proves our concept that it is possible to achieve data and application interoperability without integrating data sources and without using XML formats for data sharing.

Be careful what you wish for: the legal parameters of EU withdrawal

Easiness with which the political circles talk about withdrawal from the European Union is rather surprising and proves that the legal parameters of an EU exit are not treated seriously enough. In theoretical terms Article 50 TEU allows for a unilateral exit as well as for a consensual divorce. Arguably, the first is an interesting abstract proposition, which, however, in practical terms seems to be an unworkable solution. Hence, the only realistic option is a proper divorce based on a withdrawal agreement. As per Article 50 TEU, it would be negotiated by the European Union with a departing country and should cover the terms of withdrawal and “take account of future relations” between the EU and the divorcee. It is submitted that in order to avoid a legal vacuum, this agreement should not only “take account of future relations” but actually deal with them thoroughly. This will make the negotiations difficult and, most likely, time consuming. One also has to envisage a scenario whereby a country leaving the European Union would join EFTA and become a EFTA-EU Member State of the European Economic Area. Should that happen the scope of a EU withdrawal agreement would be limited to the terms of exit, while future relations between the divorcee and the European Union would be mainly covered by the EEA Agreement. This chapter unlocks the mechanics of Article 50 TEU and the withdrawal procedure it provides for. It covers the issues that should be attended to by the negotiators and provides an overview of dossiers that are likely be covered in a withdrawal agreement.