On 15 May, the EU launched a new programme to support the digital economy and society in Armenia. Called EU4Digital, the programme also covers other countries in the Eastern Neighbourhood. In Armenia, it will be implemented in close cooperation with the country’s Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies.
According to the EU, the programme will aim to establish a governmental interoperability platform, enabling simplified and standardised secure connectivity between all public administration organisations in Armenia, and also introduce a one-stop-shop solution for the country’s border crossing points.
The programme’s launch event in Yerevan took stock of the situation and progress made in the digital sector in Armenia and looked ahead to upcoming actions.
“The new EU4Digital regional project […] aims to strengthen EU-Armenia cooperation further, building on previous results and concentrating on Telecom Rules, Trust and Security, e-Trade, ICT Innovation, e-Health, and e-Skills,” said Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of European Union to Armenia, Gregory Tsouris.
“We are sure that the outcomes of this project will result in improved online services at better prices and with greater choice, attracting investments, boosting trade and employment, as well as strengthening cooperation with the EU Member States and within the Eastern Partnership.”
The EU4Digital programme will run from 2019 until 2021. Covering all six countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine), it has a total budget of €12 million.
Through the programme, the EU supports its Eastern partner countries to reduce roaming tariffs, develop high-speed broadband to boost economies and expand e-services, harmonise digital frameworks across society, in areas ranging from logistics to health, build cybersecurity and develop digital skills.
