Lithuania has firmly established itself as one of the global frontrunners in e-government development, according to the latest 2024 United Nations (UN) E- Government Development Survey. The country has climbed three places, securing 21st position among 193 UN member states, placing it in the elite group of nations with very high e-government capabilities.
A Leap Forward in E-Government
The UN’s Electronic Government Development Survey is a comprehensive ranking that assesses countries based on three key criteria: the development and quality of online services, telecommunications infrastructure, and human capital. Lithuania’s rise in the rankings is largely due to improvements in its online services and digital infrastructure, highlighting the nation’s significant strides in providing efficient and accessible public services.
Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Aušrinė Armonaitė, emphasised the importance of e-government for the country’s citizens:
“The e-government ranking reflects the quality of Lithuania’s public services. From booking doctor’s appointments to declaring a place of residence, we are investing substantial resources to ensure that Lithuanian citizens can access some of the most advanced public services in the world.”
Increasing Public Participation through Digital Solutions
Lithuania’s success is also reflected in its significant progress in e-participation, where it jumped 38 places to 29th position globally. The e-participation index measures how effectively digital tools enable the public to access government information and participate in decision-making processes. Lithuania’s substantial rise in this area demonstrates the country’s commitment to fostering greater public involvement through technology.
Significant Investment in Digitalisation Projects
Looking forward, Lithuania has ambitious plans to continue its digital transformation. Over the next two years, the government plans to invest €110 million in public sector digitalisation projects. This funding will support a wide range of services, spanning 40 state institutions and 35 municipalities. From child protection and healthcare to education and data accessibility, the government aims to modernise and streamline services through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Vice Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Erika Kuročkina, also pointed to ongoing projects, such as the much-anticipated overhaul of the country’s e-health system, which will soon offer a more user-friendly experience:
“In the coming year, using the e-health system will become significantly easier and more convenient,” she said.
Global and European Recognition
Lithuania’s e-government achievements have not only been acknowledged globally but also within Europe. According to the E-Government Benchmark 2024 report, Lithuania ranks 6th among 37 European nations for its digital public services, underlining its status as a leader in this field.
A Global Trend Toward Digitalisation
As noted in the UN report, countries worldwide are accelerating their adoption of digital solutions to improve public services and increase citizen engagement. Key global trends include the rapid digitalisation of services, greater use of data, digital identity solutions, and the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence. Lithuania is well positioned to remain at the forefront of this global movement.
With its continued focus on innovation and digitalisation, Lithuania is not only enhancing the quality of life for its citizens but also setting a benchmark for other nations seeking to modernise their public sectors.
Learn more about the UN’s Electronic Government Development Survey and Lithuania’s ranking here.
