The Government approved a new rule that prevents public services from demanding documents that are already in the possession of the Public Administration, now extending this obligation to more entities with a direct impact on the economy. The measure aims to simplify administrative processes and reduce bureaucracy for citizens and companies.
According to the news portal, the order came into force immediately last Tuesday, March 24, and reinforces a principle already provided for in the legislation, but whose application was not uniform among the different State bodies.
Rule that gains new scope
The change builds on a previous order dedicated to administrative simplification, but goes further by including new entities in its scope. According to the same source, the objective is to ensure that the rule is applied consistently in areas considered critical.
The diploma determines that public services “must refrain from asking citizens and economic agents to present documents held by any service or Public Administration body”, reinforcing the obligation of internal coordination.
Who is covered
Among the entities now included are bodies with a central role in managing European funds and supporting business activity. The publication states that structures are covered, such as the Agency for Development and Cohesion, IAPMEI or AICEP.
The Recover Portugal Mission Structure, operational program management authorities and the Directorate-General for Economy, among others, are also part of this group.
Interoperability becomes mandatory
With this change, services are required to share information with each other, avoiding redundant requests to citizens. The same source mentions that this logic reinforces the principle of administrative interoperability. In practice, the burden of gathering documents no longer falls on those requesting a service, but rather it becomes the responsibility of public bodies themselves to access the necessary information.
Despite the simplification, access to data will not be automatic or unlimited. The website explains that obtaining information by public services continues to depend on the consent of citizens or companies. This model remains aligned with current legislation, seeking to balance the reduction of bureaucracy with the protection of personal data.
Less bureaucracy, faster processes
The measure comes in a context in which the Government has been highlighting the need to reduce so-called contextual costs. According to the same source, these administrative obstacles are identified as one of the factors that hinder investment and economic activity. By eliminating repeated requests for documentation, the Executive intends to speed up procedures, particularly in access to European financing.
The simplification could have direct effects on entities that deal with applications for public funds and support. According to ECO, these areas were often criticized for the complexity of the processes and the documentation requirements. With the new rule, greater efficiency in processing processes is expected, facilitating interaction between companies and Public Administration.
The order came into force on the same day of its publication and was signed by authorities in the areas of planning, economy and tourism. Refers to the same source that the application is immediate for all covered entities.
The evolution of the model will now depend on the capacity of public services to guarantee the necessary coordination, in a system that aims to reduce bureaucracy and simplify contact with the State.
Also read:
