The agreement with the EU on digital transformation is ratified - 44 million euros for the digitalization of health and education
The agreement between Albania and the European Commission for the multiannual operational programme for the period 2024-2027 for the digital economy and society under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance IPA III has been ratified.
According to the document published in the Official Journal, this program is financed by the Union budget. The total estimated cost of this program is 44 million euros and the maximum contribution of the Union to this program is set at 30 million euros, while 14 million euros are offered as co-financing by the Albanian government.
Digital transformation has been placed at the top of the Albanian government's political agenda. According to the program, the scope of support will focus on several priority areas, such as digital health and digital education.
The program will support the digitalization of health data and the creation of systems that enable their secure access by citizens, including vulnerable ones. Through online access to patient data information, unnecessary tests or treatments will be avoided and the provision of urgent or urgent treatment or procedures will be accelerated. The program will have a positive effect on ensuring better and more equitable access to quality healthcare and education.
On the other hand, intervention in the field of digital education will help implement the National Education Strategy 2021–2026, by supporting the improvement of professional development, the reform of ICT-oriented curricula, and the training of teachers on digital skills.
Meanwhile, the operational programme aims to advance the country's efforts to further the digitalisation process and, in parallel, will support sectoral reforms and the approximation of national legislation with the EU acquis. The programme will help advance the social inclusion of low-income, rural and marginalised communities and Roma minorities.
However, the lack of high-speed connectivity in rural and remote areas in Albania is seen as a problem for the effective use of ICT. In this regard, the Western Balkans Investment Framework has funded a feasibility study for the deployment of fixed high-speed broadband infrastructure. This study is expected to pave the way for regional offices of all institutions, including health and education centers, to have access to high-speed internet via dark fiber.
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