Overview
Shared services within the EUAN are a key driver for improving efficiency, cost-effectiveness and cooperation. By pooling resources and expertise, EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings (JUs) can provide high-quality services while optimising the use of public funds.
This priority area covers joint initiatives in:
- Human Resources
- Procurement
- Finance
- Legal Services
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Transformation
Through shared services, the EUAN strengthens inter-agency cooperation, streamlines operations and supports business continuity. It helps the Network function as a cohesive and agile community, ready to respond to evolving administrative and policy challenges.
Shared services also contribute to EU-wide objectives such as digitalisation, sustainability and transparency in public administration, in line with the European Commission’s vision for a modern and efficient civil service.
What we aim to achieve
The sharing of knowledge and services brings together EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings to work more efficiently and deliver better services. By pooling resources and expertise, the Network aims to:
What we do
These initiatives demonstrate the practical value of collaboration in the field of sharing of services and contribute to more efficient and resilient operations.
EUAN troika pilot project
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are running a pilot project on shared services in the areas of human resources, legal and cybersecurity. .
The services are initially provided for the benefit of the participating Agencies. The long-term objective is to extend them to other interested members and generate lessons learned that benefit the entire Network.
Inter-agency shared services
Several Agencies have set up direct service-sharing arrangements, supported by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure clear roles, responsibilities and performance expectations.
Examples include:
These arrangements have generated significant cost savings and stand as models for future cooperation.
Sharing of reserve lists of suitable candidates
The EUAN established a common framework that allows participating EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings to share reserve lists of successful candidates from their selection procedures.
The framework helps participating members fill vacancies more quickly by using existing reserve lists from other Agencies and JUs. It improves recruitment efficiency while ensuring transparency, equal treatment of candidates and full compliance with EU data protection rules.
The framework is implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by participating Agencies and JUs. A dedicated IT tool supports the process by allowing members to share information on available reserve lists.
EU Agencies Evaluation Handbook
EU Agencies and JUs regularly evaluate their performance to ensure accountability, transparency and organisational learning. To promote a common evaluation culture and strengthen coherence across the Network, a project group under the EUAN Performance Development Network (PDN) Evaluation Working Group jointly developed the EU Agencies Evaluation Handbook.
The handbook offers practical guidance on evaluation governance, planning, implementation and follow-up. It brings together shared good practices, templates and checklists to help agencies conduct proportionate, evidence-based and high-quality evaluations.
Sub-network activities
EUAN sub-networks such as Inter-Agency Accountants Network (IAAN), Information and Communications Technologies Advisory Committee (ICTAC), Network for Agencies Procurement Officers (NAPO) and Inter-Agency Legal Network (IALN) play a central role in knowledge and service sharing. They develop case studies, shared platforms, and tools for legal harmonisation, helping members to benefit from each other’s expertise.
Collaborative workspace
EUAN recently launched a new collaborative workspace to strengthen coordination, cooperation, and digital engagement. This platform enables members to share knowledge and services in a secure and structured way.
Impact and results
Shared services have delivered tangible benefits across the EUAN. In 2024 alone:
- joint procurement savings reached €2.2 million, with an additional €3.9 million saved joining European Commission-led calls
- inter-agencies shared services (e.g., sharing data centre, shared internal audits, shared accounting) estimated €430,000 in annual savings
- the EUAN Shared Services Office (SSO) handled around 150 queries, enabling Agencies and JUs to exchange and benchmark practices.
Shared services and knowledge-sharing have created significant added value for the Network, including:
- greater trust and stronger cooperation across Agencies and JUs
- better access to specialised expertise
- increased opportunities for innovation and problem-solving
Sub-networks have become vital platforms to exchange best practices and develop new solutions. The steady growth in knowledge-sharing requests shows the EUAN’s role as a learning and adaptive network.