Estonian govt approves technology partnership with UK

TALLINN – The Estonian government at its sitting on Thursday approved a technology partnership between Estonia and the United Kingdom, which consists of both a general framework of the partnership and an action plan.

The purpose of the partnership is to create an innovation dialogue for the development of technology-related cooperation forms. The general framework is implemented on the basis of a broader action plan, which explains the activities to be carried out in different areas, government spokespeople said.

Goals of closer cooperation are agreed with the framework. First, learning from each other in healthcare, education and children's services, digital governance and data innovation. Second, bilateral cooperation in the cyber field, data management, development and implementation of public sector algorithmic transparency standards, development cooperation and fight against online threats. Thirdly, cooperation in international frameworks in the field of trusted connectivity and internet freedoms.

Currently involved in the partnership are the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Government Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The partnership is co-led by the ambassadors of Estonia and the United Kingdom.

The partnership is handled domestically as a political declaration within the meaning of the Foreign Relations Act, which is not submitted to the Riigikogu for approval or joining. The signing of the partnership framework is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.