The journey began with a visit to the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, a digitalization hub in Tallinn, which offered an in-depth look into Estonia’s digital transformation. The meeting was highly productive, providing the delegation with valuable insights into the key milestones and technologies that have positioned Estonia as a global leader in digital innovation.  

Next, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of Estonia’s digital governance practices by visiting the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This visit offered a valuable opportunity to understand how responsibilities are distributed within the LEADER context and to explore additional IT solutions adopted by the ministry to streamline processes, improve payment accuracy, and speed up administrative procedures, such as the e-invoicing system and PlanPro software. Moreover, the delegation gained insights into the functioning of the ministry’s IT department and its role in supporting digital transformation efforts. 

In the following days, the delegation had the opportunity to further familiarize themselves with Estonia’s best practices in digital transformation relevant to the LEADER program, exploring it from various perspectives. They visited central public authorities, Local Action Groups (LAGs), the LEADER Network, and several projects. These visits provided a comprehensive view of how the LEADER program is implemented across Estonia, showcasing innovative approaches to rural development that blend digitalization and community engagement. 

It was particularly interesting to see how both LAG representatives and project beneficiaries were so accustomed to digital solutions. They shared their experiences of how these technologies helped streamline processes, enhance payment accuracy, and improve the efficiency of data management. The beneficiaries also highlighted the critical importance of the digital systems in making rural development more effective and more accessible, giving everyone – including those in more remote rural areas—a chance to apply and benefit from the opportunities offered.  

The journey concluded with an important meeting at the Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA), a counterpart to the Agency of Intervention and Payment in Agriculture in Moldova. The meeting covered key topics, including the overall management of the implementation process, data collection, and the automated evaluation of dossiers. The delegation had the opportunity to see the PRIA system in action and understand how its integration with the X-Road system enables seamless data exchange. This connection eliminates redundant document requests, reduces corruption, streamlines the data validation process, and enhances overall efficiency. An important highlight was the effective collaboration between PRIA, beneficiaries, and LAGs, showcasing the value of teamwork in the success of the LEADER program. 

The study visit to Estonia provided invaluable lessons on how digital transformation can drive rural development. By exploring the innovative approaches of Estonian institutions, LAGs, and beneficiaries, the Moldovan delegation gained practical insights that can inspire the enhancement of the LEADER program in Moldova. The integration of digital solutions, the strong involvement of youth, and the diversity of projects implemented through LEADER serve as valuable models for advancing rural development in Moldova.  

This activity is implemented within “The Moldova Rural LEADER Project” financed by the United States Agency for International Development – USAID, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, cooperation program for development – Polish Aid. The Project is implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.