Estonian MFA: in deploying a digital single market, Baltic countries can act as a compass for Europe
On September 3rd in Copenhagen, while speaking at the Baltic Development Forum and the ICT development think-tank “Top of Digital Europe” round table about the need for and development of a digital single market, Estonian Foreign Minister Kaljurand emphasized that Baltic Sea countries need to participate in more cooperative work regarding the development of joint cross-border ICT solutions, reports BC Estonian MFA.
“The Baltic Sea countries with their innovation and skills can be a compass for all of Europe regarding the deployment of joint solutions,” Foreign Minister Kaljurand said.
E-residency rapidly gaining popularity Almost double the initial estimated amount of people have signed up to become e-residents of Estonia since the programme’s launch at the end of 2014.
According to figures released by Ministry of Economic Affairs, as of July, 3,816 applications have been submitted by people wishing to claim e-residency in the country. This is almost double the initial target of 2,000 officials hoped would sign up before the end of 2015.
Quick, think of the most digital-friendly government in the world?
If Estonia's didn't immediately pop into your head, then listen up. The tiny European nation was the first country to permit online voting more than a decade ago, and it has consistently led the way in digital signatures and online transactions.
But Estonia didn't become a global leader of e-governance because the country is some sort of "digital Narnia," says Andres Kütt, the architect and adviser of the Estonian Information Security Authority. The country's tech transformation was born out of necessity, he says.
Read more: How did Estonia Become a Global Leader in Digital Government?
Estonian State Information System Office (RIA) announced a tender to find a partner for information activities on the e-residency project in the USA, Estonian economy and communications ministry announced LETA.
This is a pilot campaign, as the result of which Enterprise Estonia (EAS) wants to introduce e-residency to United States mainstream media channels and U.S. technology media channels with widespread distribution. The cost of the contract is up to 160,000 euros, inclusive of all taxes. The campaign will take place in the spring in 2016.
An innovative solution GoSwift for managing traffic queues at international borders is the winner of the 2015 Transport Achievement Award offered by the International Transport Forum at the OECD. The Award recognises demonstrated achievement of excellence in transport provision that has improved, enabled or facilitated tourism.
GoSwift, an Estonian public-private partnership, allows pre-booking of time slots and virtual queueing for border crossings via the web, a call centre or self-service terminals. Better use of the capacity of border crossing points and more efficient journey planning for trucks and tourists are just two of the immediate benefits.
Read more: Estonian GoSwift wins global Transport Award for smart border crossing point