Skopje, 24 September 2021 (MIA) – Besides the political support Estonia is offering North Macedonia, the country can assist the process of EU integration by sharing experiences in implementation of reforms, not only in regard to digitalization and e-governance, but also transparency and fight against corruption, Estonian Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn said on Friday. “Both countries have gone through a period of transition from communism into free democracy and Estonia learned a lot going through painful reform. However, convincing people that sometimes painful steps have to be taken is precious experience that we can share with North Macedonia. Our experts will definitely be in touch and share experiences. In regard to digitalization and fight against corruption, North Macedonia has to start by building a digital society to improve transparency and establish communication between citizens and the government,” Karelsohn said after signing a memorandum for a trilateral project aimed at promoting digitalization in North Macedonia. Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov expresses hopes that Estonia can also help North Macedonia start EU accession negotiations, stressing the fact that the Union is a complicated entity that makes decisions based on consensus, which makes the position of every member state count. “Our experience shows that the better we know each other and the more member states are involved in reforms we implement at home, the easier it is to get closer, support each other and be friends. Although geographically distant from us, Estonia is a country that transformed successfully, joining NATO and the EU. So, there are many ways we can benefit from this relationship. Estonia will assist us, but also ensure the establishment of a network between the Macedonian and Estonian administrations, making support more clear and visible,” Dimitrov noted. Asked whether partners have discussed other areas that require assistance besides digitalization, the Estonian Ambassador said they would be happy if that happens, stressing that North Macedonia and Estonia are prepared to discuss that option in the future. Estonia, she added, is truly ready to share experiences in implementation of reforms and the transition process that the country went through in parallel with EU integration. US Ambassador stressed at the press conference that Washington spent a lot of time and resources supporting North Macedonia and its EU accession. “All of North Macedonia’s partners, not just the EU and US, should participate in strengthening democratic institutions, rule of law, e-governance, green economy, energy efficiency. The project we’re launching today focuses on digitalization and governance – we’ve seen the results of this in Estonia and other member states, but we also want to see them in North Macedonia. And we really want to see experts cooperate in this field and direct resources straight to that task,” Byrnes noted. She praised the model established through partnership with Estonia and wished to see how it will expand and become a good model for other countries that are interested in supporting North Macedonia. “Digitalization is an important goal which will entail cooperation between the government and society. I’m sure that other partnerships and partnership opportunism will arise and grow in the future,” the Ambassador said. Deputy PM Dimitrov stressed that digitalization is not only a necessity but also a precondition for progress in key areas. “It isn’t just our future, but also our present, a multiplicator of change and social development. It will promote efficiency as basis for good governance, lead to building a more resilient society and offer opportunities to fight corruption by increasing transparency and people’s trust in institutions,” Dimitrov added. The Estonian Ambassador said that Estonia has digitalized all services, ensuring quick and easy access. “A computer can’t be bribed. In building a digital society, we have to be aware that creating trust and overcoming people’s doubt in online services is a long and complicated process. That’s the key for success of digitalization,” Karelsohn pointed out. She underlined that Estonia’s experience shows that the best results in digitalization are achieved through close cooperation between the public and private sectors. “Therefore, the government is launching quick and safe digital identification for its online services, as well as those in the private sector. Most e-governance aspects have been developed by private companies and will be used in both sectors,” Karelsohn stressed. The memorandum of cooperation with the Estonian Center for International Development, a trilateral project to promote digitization in North Macedonia, was signed in the government on Friday. The project is implemented by the Secretariat for European Affairs with financial support from the United States and Estonia, and expert support from the Estonian Center for International Development. It will be implemented over the course of 18 months and entail promoting the legal and institutional framework for improving digitalization and e-governance, trainings for employees at relevant institutions focusing on change management, as well as support for digital solutions management. Estonian experts paid a visit to North Macedonia to monitor the current situation over digitalization in the country and set up project activities.