Many public sector organizations struggle with high costs and inefficiencies when trying to integrate different digital systems. Complex procurement rules, a lack of standardization, and resistance to change often make it difficult to connect various platforms and data sources. In fact, research shows that more than half of local governments’ ICT budgets go toward simply integrating existing software—leaving little room for innovation and new digital services.

To help solve this, the Living-in.EU initiative has been working through its Technical Working Group to develop the MIMs Plus framework—a set of European Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms that make it easier for public sector systems to work together. This process includes annual updates, with additional improvements rolled out as needed.

Now, in 2025, the MIMs Plus have reached a new milestone: a framework that presents the MIMs Plus in a logical an usable manner. The framework introduces two distinct types of MIMs—‘fundamental’ and ‘application-based’. The fundamental MIMs focus on the data journey, while the application-based MIMs address common complex challenges like personal data or local digital twins. By creating a more structured and practical approach, the new MIMs Plus framework - packaged as MIMs Plus Version 7.5) aims to reduce costs, simplify integration, and support digital transformation in the public sector—helping governments spend less time wrestling with technology and more time delivering better services.

For more information check out the Technical Working Group. 

Check out the MIMs Plus Version 7.5 here.