On May 22, 2019, the European Union launched a new programme ‘EU4Digital: supporting the digital economy and society in the Eastern Partnership’ in Ukraine. EU4Digital aims to extend the benefits of the European Union’s Digital Single Market to Ukraine and the other Eastern Partner states, in order to boost economic growth and jobs, improve people’s lives and help business.
“We are pleased to present the EU4Digital programme, and we would like to underline that the EU attaches great importance to Ukraine’s efforts to advance digital agenda,” said Ambassador Hugues Mingarelli, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine. “The harmonisation of digital markets will result in increased competition, meaning improved online services at better prices and with greater choice. It will attract investments and boost trade and employment, contributing to the social and economic development of the country.”
‘EU4Digital: supporting digital economy and society in the Eastern Partnership’ is a regional programme for the Eastern Partnership region. Running from January 2019 until December 2021, it is funded by the European Union with a budget of EUR 11 million and is implemented by a consortium led by EY.
The program supports national governments, regulatory bodies and agencies active in the development of the digital sector, as well as economic actors and stakeholders in innovation, training and the development of skills. Ultimately, the business community and citizens at large will benefit from the development of effective, safe and well-regulated electronic networks through access to better services and increased growth potential.
The program’s targets include:
- Achieving a common roaming space among Eastern Partner countries by 2020, meaning cheaper calls for Ukrainians travelling within the region
- Concrete support for the development of digital skills to match the demands of emerging sectors
- Enabling framework for innovation and start-ups. This will include selecting an ICT Innovation Centre in Ukraine and providing training in the sector
- Support for cross-border eTrade, which will simplify export procedures, reduce border delays, and increase the security and transparency of operations, boosting the digital economy in Ukraine and the range and quality of services available to consumers
- On eHealth, the Ukrainian health system, care professionals and ultimately patients will benefit from the development of guidelines and common standards on eHealth services, data exchange, and health records, in cooperation with national authorities.
