In the digital era, even a small country can become a builder of a great future - Cudars

RIGA - In the digital era, even a small country can become a builder of a great future, and Latvia not only follows the digital era but shapes it, connecting people, ideas and opportunities in a sustainable and inclusive Europe, Latvian Smart Administration and Regional Development Minister Raimonds Cudars (New Unity) said at the technology and innovation forum Techritory.

As LETA was told at the Smart Administration and Regional Development Ministry, Cudars said that technology should serve society by providing effective, inclusive and safe public services.

In his address to the forum, the minister said that digital technologies are the foundation of Europe's resilience and competitiveness, helping to build public trust, foster innovation and ensure security. That is why Latvia is investing in people's digital skills through various programs.

During the forum, the Cudars met with Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, to discuss the priorities for the development of digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence in the European Union's (EU) next multiannual budget.

During their meeting, the officials highlighted the need to ensure balanced access to digital investment across Europe, in particular in the bloc's Eastern border regions, as well as to continue strategic investments in cyber security.

The minister said that Latvia highly appreciates the European Commission's support to the project "AI Factory Antenna - Latvia" which strengthens the country's AI capacity and high-performance computing. Latvia's participation in the Baltic AI Gigafactory initiative, which would promote sustainable regional development and strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty, was also discussed.