Environment and Regional Development Minister Juris Pūce (AP!) took part on 5 June in an informal high-level videoconference of the European Union's (EU) telecommunications ministers, where representatives of Member States' delegations shared the lessons learned during the Covid-19 crisis in the digital sector and the further use of the opportunities provided by digital transformation. . During the meeting there was a call for the Baltic States to share their knowledge by introducing and successfully improving digital solutions in public administration and accessibility of services.
During a video conference, German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier praised the Baltic States for their progress in digital development as a representative of the incoming Presidency and made a formal invitation to the Ministers of the Baltic States responsible for digital transformation to provide a joint message on the progress made towards digital transformation in the informal Council of Ministers in Bāden-Baden, which will take place on 15 October 2020.
During the meeting, Minister Pūce stressed that the crisis in Latvia has demonstrated public readiness and contributed to a rapid increase in the use of digital solutions, both in business and in the use of public services and in other areas relevant to society. . This has been possible thanks to the progress made so far in the development of digital policy and investment in the development of the digital environment.
Juris Pūce: “We have worked to develop a favourable and modern living area in Latvia, taking advantage of technology. . The achievements of the Baltic States in improving digital transformation have become an example of the European Union and our experience and knowledge have been highly evaluated. "
The Minister also stressed at the meeting that it would be particularly important not to reduce the financial support needed to take advantage of the emerging digital transformation breakthrough and to develop common EU solutions. . Cooperation in the deployment of common platform-based solutions using the strengths of participating EU Member States would create preconditions for rapid digital development in Europe and also globally competitive projects.
The video conference also held an exchange of views between ministers on boosting the EU's competitiveness, digital sovereignty, and opportunities for further investment in the deployment of connectivity, artificial intelligence and data technologies.
Other information:
Agnese Vārpiņa
Minister's Councillor for Communications and Public Relations
Ministry for Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Tel. 67026478
email: agnese.varpina@varam.gov.lv