Ukraine’s delegations explored Estonia’s AI and digital integration with EU

Artificial intelligence is transforming governance, economies, and societies worldwide. For governments striving to accelerate digital transformation and deliver real economic and societal benefits, AI is no longer a distant future—it’s here now, demanding action, strategy, and leadership.

Recognising this, Ukraine’s SE “Diia” delegation focused in the study visit to Estonia on Estonia’s experience in leveraging AI for public service delivery. The second delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, SE Diia, SE NAIS, and SE Centre of the State Land Cadastre, explored the alignment of national digital systems with European Union (EU) standards. Technical and digital integration with the EU is part of Ukraine’s EU integration efforts.

During their visit, the delegation met with key Estonian digital experts from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, RIA, TEHIK, and RIK, as well as ITL, where they discussed the crucial role of the private sector in digital governance.

“Estonia’s experience in the digitalisation of citizen services is invaluable. Ukraine is already actively using solutions first launched in Estonia, such as Trembita (X-Road), eID, the register of registers, and many others,” said Iryna Zabolotna, Head of the Department for the Implementation of Electronic Services at the Ministry of Digital Transformation.

“Our study visit to Estonia provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues who are undoubtedly leaders in digital transformation. I took many notes and photos of presentations that caught my interest—particularly on topics like the Tree of Trust concept presented by Margus Arm, personal government, life event services, and AI solutions. These ideas deeply resonate with me and inspire new projects for Ukraine,” she added.

During the meeting with Madis Tapupere, Estonia’s Government Chief Technology Officer (CTO)  two different approaches to the “government in a smartphone” concept sparked excitement among participants. Madis introduced eesti.ee app to the Ukrainian Diia team, whose Diia app has already revolutionised digital services in Ukraine.

But that wasn’t all—the second Ukrainian delegation including officials from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, SE Diia, SE NAIS, SE Centre of the State Land Cadastre, also took a deep dive into EU interoperability legal and technical aspects, exploring how Estonian registers are seamlessly connected across borders.

This study visit was part of the EU-supported DT4UA project, reinforcing Ukraine’s digital future with best practices from the European Union and Estonia, one of the most advanced digital governments in the European Union.