Cabinet of Ministers approves the ratification of the agreement with the EU on Moldova's accession to the Digital Europe program with a total budget of 7.6 billion euros until 2027.
The document was signed on 19 February in Brussels by Economic Development and Digitalization Minister Dumitru Alaiba and European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton. According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, Moldova's accession to the Digital Europe program, an EU initiative that offers numerous benefits for entrepreneurs, local authorities, the associative sector and citizens, means that Moldovan enterprises, mayoralties, NGOs and central authorities will have access to European funding for digitalization with a total budget of 7.6 billion euros for 2021-2027. Thus, Moldova will receive financial assistance and expertise to improve its digital infrastructure and promote innovation and digital inclusiveness in society. The country's main strategic document for digital transformation is the Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023-2030, approved last September. The document aims to develop an innovative and inclusive digital society with developed infrastructure, digital governance and a business community that takes advantage of digitalization opportunities. Access to funding through the Digital Europe program will contribute to achieving these goals. At the same time, through the Digital Europe program, Moldova will accelerate the process of digitization of enterprises and public administration. This will support startups, SMEs and the public sector in their efforts to increase competitiveness and improve business models through the use of advanced digital technologies. Support for the program is enhanced by reducing Moldova's annual financial contributions by 95% until its completion in 2027. Moldova will actively participate in future opportunities in the digital sphere, especially in the 4 areas to which it has been linked: supercar, artificial intelligence, advanced digital skills, implementation and optimal use of digital technologies and interoperability. The agreement on Moldova's accession to the Digital Europe program will take effect retroactively, from January 1, 2024, after the completion of the relevant ratification processes. The Digital Europe program is a European Union funding program focused on the implementation of digital technologies by enterprises, citizens and public administrations. The program aims to accelerate economic recovery and shape the digital transformation of European society and economy, benefiting everyone, but especially SMEs. "We are increasingly digitalizing the business environment and public administration. This is how we will help small entrepreneurs, medium-sized companies to be more competitive and improve their business with advanced digital technologies. Before we become EU citizens, we can become digital citizens of the EU even faster," said Dumitru Alaiba. // 24.04.2024 - InfoMarket.
