Georgia

EU4Digital aims to extend the benefits of the EU’s Digital Single Market to Georgia and other Eastern partner countries, channelling EU support to develop the potential of the digital economy and society. 

In particular, through EU4Digital, the EU will support Georgia in the reduction of roaming tariffs and further harmonisation with EU roaming tariffs, in developing and implementing high-speed broadband connectivity to boost the economy, and harmonising digital programmes across society in areas ranging from electronic logistics to health, cybersecurity, and digital skills.  

Broadband development is one of the key priorities of the EU’s EU4Digital Initiative. Within the framework of its Broadband Strategies project, Georgia introduced its broadband development strategy 2020-2025. Creating an enhanced legal and regulatory framework for broadband development in line with EU norms, and overcoming the digital divide in rural areas are identifed as the country’s key objectives. 

The digital agenda is a key priority for both the government of Georgia and the EU. The European Union supports the digital economy and society in Georgia through several bilateral projects. 

• The EU and EIB (European Investment Bank) are investing in the expansion of the national broadband network to bring fast and reliable internet services to Georgia’s rural areas. This flagship Rural Fibre Network project supports digital connectivity, one of the key areas of the EU’s economic and investment plan for the Eastern Partnership.
   
• In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the EU together with the WHO (World Health Organization), UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) started a project to minimise the COVID-19 impact in Georgia through telemedicine and digital health solutions. The project (2021-2024) aimed to improve access to essential health care services and reduce the burden on the healthcare system during the pandemic by advancing digital solutions to health in rural areas. The main objectives are promoting telemedicine solutions, strengthening technical capacities of the health care system and increasing public awareness of COVID-19 prevention and of telemedicine solutions. 

• Another key bilateral programme is EU 4 Smart Economic Development. This focuses on four main components. Firstly, it aims to generate economic activity and capacity building by addressing the digitalisation gap in rural areas. The second component focuses on advancing digital skills and empowering girls and women in ICT. A third focus is the digital growth of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and the fourth is on strategic policy coordination regarding digitalisation. 

To find out more about EU relations with Georgia, visit: 

• EU4Georgia website 
• Delegation of the European Union to Georgia website