Moldova goes digital: Simplifying services for citizens
The authorities of the Republic of Moldova have set the goal of 100% digitalization of public and private services by 2030.
This initiative aims to support socio-economic reforms, reduce expenditures, and increase accessibility for citizens. This ambitious goal is considered achievable as half of all public services are already digitised, with evident benefits.
Currently, citizens can access 288 public services online via the Public Services Portal, out of a total of 636 available services. The private sector boasts a higher digitalization rate, reaching almost 60 percent. However, despite rapid digitalization progress, some citizens, particularly in rural areas, remain resistant to change, clinging to traditional in-person service counters. To assist citizens in accessing and paying for public services online, the government has established 103 Unified Service Delivery Centers in rural areas, according to Andrei Prisăcar, director of the Electronic Governance Agency.
"The plan includes optimising costs and reducing expenditures associated with maintaining physical service counters," stated Prisăcar. "The strategy proposes establishing around 300 Unified Service Delivery Centers, strategically located to ensure accessibility for neighbouring villages."
The 100% digitalization plan aims to simplify citizens' lives by offering a wide range of electronic services, eliminating the need to visit service counters in person.
"The initial implementation phase focuses on eliminating the need for citizens to spend time and resources travelling to service counters," Prisăcar explained. "While remote access to services is a key objective, the implementation and automation of processes within public service providers will prompt a reevaluation of service delivery costs. This aims to prevent future service price increases."
Earlier this year, the Republic of Moldova joined the European Union's "Digital Europe" program. This program provides access to European digitalization funds for businesses, municipalities, NGOs, and central institutions across the country. The total budget allocated for all member states is 7.5 billion euros for the period 2021-2027.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
