The projects will be implemented within the framework of the program the Electronic Governance for Government Accountability and Community Participation (EGAP Program), implemented by the East Europe Foundation. This is already the third stage of such support: the EGAP Program was launched in 2015, and during the entire period, the Swiss government allocated more than 30 million francs.
"With the support of Switzerland, we launched dozens of digital services in Diia and implemented revolutionary reforms. Together with our partners, we are moving towards common goals and building the most comfortable digital state in the world. The new stage of cooperation is an opportunity to implement even more reforms and important changes in the state. I am grateful to the partners for the common vision and consistent support for the digital transformation of Ukraine," said Mykhailo Fedorov.
In particular, the memorandum provides for the implementation of reforms in the field of health care, social policy, education, humanitarian demining, housing and utility services, state statistics and public administration reform. Within the framework of the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, the reform of the State Statistics Service, the digitalization of medical services, the implementation of the Mriia, the launch of Online Marriage in Diia are already being implemented, and further cooperation with Switzerland will make it possible to launch even more new services and implement changes that simplify and improve the lives of Ukrainians.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine Félix Baumann noted: "Such a high level of financial support from Switzerland for the implementation of our joint EGAP Program is unprecedented. This indicates a high appreciation of the achieved results and the effectiveness of our long-term cooperation. Indeed, thanks to digital transformation, citizens of Ukraine receive public services quickly, transparently and safely. Digitization has become an important catalyst for reforms that are necessary for the restoration, reconstruction and sustainable development of Ukraine."
In addition, the focus is on digital development and increasing the resilience of communities. Within the framework of the memorandum, Switzerland will support local self-government in 9 regions of Ukraine: Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Luhansk, Odesa, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Volyn. Regions will receive the digital tools and knowledge they need to improve service delivery.
"The Swiss government is one of the first that believed in the digital potential of Ukraine and began to systematically support us on this path. The focus of the EGAP Program is not only national initiatives, such as Diia, eBaby services, the world's fastest individual entrepreneur registration and others, but also the digital development of regions - helping all citizens gain access to convenient online services and e-participation tools, regardless of community size. And I am grateful to Switzerland for many years of cooperation and support," said Viktor Liakh, president of the East Europe Foundation.
The program is also aimed at supporting Ukrainians who suffered as a result of the full-scale Russia’s military aggression. In particular, IDPs, persons with disabilities and residents of previously occupied territories. It is envisaged to restore the digital infrastructure and create an accessible and non-volatile environment for the provision of public services. Such a comprehensive approach is important for the recovery and development of communities, as well as ensuring inclusive digital access.
During the conference on the recovery of Ukraine (URC 2024), Switzerland officially announced the allocation of 58.7 million Swiss francs to support Ukraine in the field of digitization and electronic governance. Funds will be received from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 30 2028.
The EGAP program is financed by Switzerland and implemented by the East Europe Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the InnovaBridge Foundation since 2015. In terms of funds, it is the largest bilateral program of international technical assistance implemented by the Government of Switzerland in Ukraine. The focus is on the development of online services, electronic democracy tools, and digitalization of regions.
