The Republic of Moldova and Romania will have a common digital space and this objective is enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Transformation between Chisinau and Bucharest, signed during the joint meeting of the Governments of the Republic of Moldova and Romania, on 11 February 2022, by Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova, Iurie TURCANU and the Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization of Romania, Marcel Ioan BOLOS.

Such Memorandum is signed for the first time in our country and is an important step in the development of a common digital space between the two countries. The document sets out a number of objectives for bilateral cooperation, including:

· developing platforms, digital infrastructures and electronic public services;

 · data exchange;

 · mutual recognition of electronic signatures;

 · facilitating innovative investment and entrepreneurship in information technology;

 · ensuring cyber security.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on digital transformation between the Republic of Moldova and Romania will boost bilateral cooperation in this segment and will also ensure the transposition of European norms and the application of common standards that will open opportunities for joint participation in digital development and transformation projects, financed by EU financial assistance programs. This implies a multitude of benefits, to be enjoyed by every citizen, public, private, academic and associative sector entities, because these advantages refer to the promotion of participatory digital democracy, development of economic relations, boosting of e-commerce, development and best use of electronic public services, etc.

In this context, a Steering Committee composed of representatives of both parties will be set up within one month of entry into force of the Agreement. The Committee will be responsible for the implementation of specific activities, as well as for the establishment of common working mechanisms and procedures.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova mentioned that, as regards digital transformation, both the Romanian state and we already have a complex ecosystem, and these digital tools need to be assessed in terms of how they can be adapted and optimized for both societies so that by interconnecting and unifying them into a single digital space we can achieve greater resilience, security and a greater capacity to be able to respond adequately to current challenges and the needs of governments, citizens or companies operating in the two countries.

"The Republic of Moldova and Romania have set the acceleration of the process of digitalization and development of the information society as a priority, and such exchange of experience, in addition to the benefits implied by electronic products and platforms, i.e. beyond the technological perspective, this cooperation will bring Moldova and Romania even closer, taking into account the special nature of this relationship, conferred by the common language, history, culture and traditions", said Iurie TURCANU.

The establishment and intensification of the strategic partnership and functional dialogue between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Romania in digital transformation will have a positive impact in all sectors, which require the adoption and adaptation of new digital solutions, in order to efficiently respond to the emerging needs of the users.