LocationsE-services as a driver of digital transformation in Montenegro
December 4, 2024
Podgorica, December 4, 2024 – Digitalization serves as a catalyst for social and economic progress, an instrument for improving the quality of life for citizens, and a foundation for a more efficient, inclusive, and modern public administration, as evidenced by the results of the project "E-Services and Digital Infrastructure as a Response to COVID-19."
The project, whose completion was marked today in the lobby of the Technical Faculties of the University of Montenegro, was financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration. Its objective was to empower Montenegro’s digital transformation and lay the groundwork for long-term development.
The closing event featured an interactive QR code exhibition, allowing visitors to learn more about the developed e-services and project outcomes, including the new e-Government portal, the Open Data portal, advanced e-services for parents and students, digitized cultural services, and numerous other services showcasing innovations in digital governance.
Launched in 2021, the project accelerated the digitalization of the public sector. Over 45 new electronic services were created, available to citizens, NGOs, academia, and the business community. These include simplified and swift enrolment of children in kindergartens, schools, and universities. A testament to the success of these initiatives is the fact that 90% of students enrolled in universities online since the service's introduction. The e-Government portal has enabled easy access to key services, while services for NGOs, political parties, and the cultural sector have been particularly enhanced, saving users time and money.
Additionally, strengthening institutional capacities through training a new generation of public administration experts in digital governance and cybersecurity, equipping institutions at both local and central levels with technology and expertise, and applying artificial intelligence in decision-making and service delivery were among the key outcomes of this successfully implemented project. Over half of Montenegro’s population is now familiar with the existence of electronic services.
The Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, emphasized that the development of digital transformation is impossible without continuous inter-institutional cooperation and dedicated effort.
“Improving e-Government in Montenegro requires continuity, not only to align with EU regulations and practices but also to keep up with rapidly advancing IT solutions. The ultimate goal of this project, set from the beginning, was to raise awareness among citizens and the economy about the benefits of using digital services. I believe the set goals have been achieved, but there is still much work ahead in creating an open and sustainable e-Government in Montenegro”, said Dukaj.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, stated that this project is the best example of how strong support and partnership can turn a vision into tangible results. She reminded everyone that the project addressed urgent societal needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, laying the foundation for modernizing public administration.
“The results of this project lay the groundwork for a society that is inclusive, efficient, and secure, showcasing the transformative potential of digitalization. This effort aligns with UNDP’s commitment to fostering sustainable, ethical, and resilient digital ecosystems that leave no one behind. By integrating innovation and sustainability, this transformation supports Montenegro’s public administration reform, emphasizing its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. Additionally, it reinforces the country’s EU reform commitments, particularly in modernizing governance through digitalization. These initiatives illustrate that digital transformation is not just an enabler of economic growth and efficient public services, but also a cornerstone for societal resilience and empowerment in the face of future challenges”, said Paniklova.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, stated that despite challenges and obstacles such as the pandemic and a cyberattack, the EU, UNDP, and the Government of Montenegro successfully implemented the project and developed more than 40 new e-services.
“Today, almost every parent enrolls their child in kindergarten online, and students no longer wait in line for simple administrative tasks. These changes might seem minor, but they exemplify good governance and reflect what citizens expect from their governments. This is not just about technology – it is an investment in Montenegro's future, a future defined by transparency, inclusivity, and innovation, in line with what most EU countries are already doing. In this regard, the EU has been and remains a reliable partner to Montenegro. Through instruments such as IPA, Digital Europe, the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), and new initiatives – the Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda – we are supporting Montenegro's alignment with EU standards and providing unprecedented support for reform efforts”, said Sattler.
