Preparing the transition to the digital age
Nowadays, the need to invest in digital infrastructure has become imperative. The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that technological development is a powerful tool not only for private sector companies, but also for the smooth operation of the public sector.
Greece, once absent during the previous social transformations, understood the opportunity and made radical changes in order to take advantage of the technological revolution and proceed to a complete digital transformation of the public sector.
This trend became apparent during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provision of some necessary services via the internet. However, the most important step was taken with the enactment of law 4727/2020, entitled “Digital Governance (Incorporation into Greek Legislation of Directive (EU) 2016/2102 and Directive (EU) 2019/1024) Electronic Communications (Integration into Greek Law) Directive (EU) 2018/1972) and other provisions”. This law, although incorporating EU directives, has made radical changes aimed at facilitating the digital service of citizens through the exploitation of technological advances.
Among other things, access to public documents by digital means and the creation of a Personal Number for each citizen are defined, in order to facilitate digital access and service of citizens. In addition, the interconnection of the public services is being foreseen in order to facilitate the circulation of documents and the interaction of the public services, to avoid the unnecessary discomfort of the citizens during their service by public authorities, and also to achieve the intersection of the observed data. One of the most prominent regulations was the complete abolition of FAX in the public sector.
The interconnection of public services will be achieved through the creation of the following three government clouds: Government Cloud (G-Cloud), Research and Education Cloud (RE-Cloud) and Health Cloud (H-Cloud). At the same time, the Interoperability Register for the digital provision of services (webservices) of public sector authorities has already been implemented and will be expanded.
The relevant forecasts are not only aimed at facilitating citizens, but also at developing entrepreneurship and attracting investment. In this context, the release of 5G spectrum for innovative programs and the creation of “Phaistos Fund” for the utilization of the proceeds from the auction for the granting of use rights in the 5G spectral zones, under the management of the company “Holdings of 5G S.A.”, have been designated.
The adaptation of public services to the country’s digital transformation is not an easy task. Understaffing and the lack of training programs for the adaptation of civil servants to technological developments are going to raise serious concerns about the possibility of immediate implementation of the relevant regulations. Nevertheless, the indications are particularly favorable as the public bureaucracy and the workload of the public services will be reduced.
If you are interested in the new legal framework in Greece on Digital Transformation contact us at 2103254237 or [email protected]
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