Digital applications and practices redefine the citizen-state relationship

The adaptation to the data created by the pandemic, but also the response of the state to the needs of the modern era are a basic condition for the development of the country and the prosperity of the society.

In this regard, the adoption of successful practices of other states, which make the daily lives of citizens and businesses easier, by knocking the bureaucracy at its root, is particularly important for the smooth transition of society and the economy to the new reality.

My strong belief is that Cyprus has a lot to learn from Estonia, a model country in terms of digitization and e-government. The example of digital identity is indicative. Through the ID Card and the Mobile ID Card, the citizens of Estonia have access to all the digital services of the country, while the e-residency platform facilitates conducting business activities. Specifically:

• Η ID Card It is used as a travel document for intra-EU travel, while offering access to medical records, linking to bank accounts and processing transactions. It also provides the opportunity for digital signatures, voting rights, checking medical records / receiving prescriptions for medicines, claiming tax refunds, using electronic prescriptions, subscriptions to organizations and companies, but also receiving government documents via email.
• By Mobile ID Card, which works through an application, citizens no longer need the ID Card. The same tasks are performed through the mobile phone, making the life of the citizens easier and more comfortable. Saving time and money, but also protecting the environment by saving hundreds of tons of paper.
• Through the platform E-residency, Estonia has managed to create a global digital community for citizens and businesses. It offers the possibility of signing contracts digitally, managing companies and making transactions without hassle, intermediaries and at minimal cost. A business can be started online in a matter of hours. The record in Estonia is 18 minutes. It also provides e-banking services, while all reports, tax returns and transactions involved in the operation of a business are done digitally.

However, such reforms require study, consultation, know-how and expertise. At the same time, we need a technological background, strong legislation and safeguards to protect personal data and privacy, which is a fundamental human right. Above all, however, good will and willpower are needed for change. These are reforms that, if implemented properly, will have a positive impact on citizens and businesses. Contributing, at the same time, to the effort for a more productive state and significantly improving the citizen-state relationship.

In recent years, our country has made leaps in the field of e-government. Several services have been digitized, while important reforms have been promoted to serve citizens and businesses. Most important of all was the establishment of the State Department for Innovation and Digital Policy, which lays a solid foundation for modernizing the state, promoting research and innovation. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic was accelerating the digital transformation, turning a long-standing issue into a necessity. The effort must continue. It is necessary to give impetus to the reform process, always with respect, but also with alternative options / solutions for those of our fellow citizens who are not yet able to use modern methods.

 Nikos Georgiou 

DISY Famagusta district secretary and Larnaca municipal councilor.