Romania OKs the multi-billion euros Digital Agenda Strategy

The Romanian Government has approved the Digital Agenda Strategy for 2020, on Tuesday, April 7. This was one of the conditions imposed by the European Commission for Romania to access structural and cohesion funds of over EUR 30 billion. The Government said that the complete implementation of the strategic outlook for the IT sector in Romania would lead to investments of some EUR 2.4 billion by 2020 while the Ministry of Communications estimated that the investments will top EUR 3.9 billion by 2020. The direct and indirect impact on the economy will lead to a 13% increase in the GDP, and an 11% increase in jobs by 2020, according to the Government. The Digital Agenda Strategy’s objectives are that by 2020 at least 35% of Romanians will use e-Government services, that over 60% will use the internet regularly, that at least 30% will shop online, and at least 80% of Romanians will have access to broadband telecommunication networks. Romania is last in Europe’s Digital Economy and Society Index Most Romanian employees have little or no IT skills Only a third of Romania uses e-Governance services Romanian Communications Ministry targets 95% EU funds absorption rate editor@romania-insider.com