Federal Government Urged to Address Major Issues by Ministry of Digital Affairs: Prioritize Important Matters Over Petty Concerns - Minister Advocates Action Beyond Limited Sphere - Federation Urged to Act
Digital Affairs Minister Dörte Schall from Rhineland-Palatinate's SPD is putting the pressure on the Federal Government to prioritize uniform and user-friendly digital procedures across German administrations and authorities. Schall told the German Press Agency in Mainz, "Enough messing around with trivial matters, it's high time we have a common strategy."
Schall is advocating for services such as car registration to be centralized and accessible online, emphasizing that this would be a significant relief for both citizens and administrative staff. The German government needs to take the lead and work towards standardized online processes, she stated before the Digital Ministers Conference, which will take place next week in Ingelheim.
Currently, the pace of digital transformation among municipalities varies greatly, leading to a chaotic patchwork of digitalization efforts. Municipalities often have competing interests, making it difficult to achieve a united front.
A Central, Nationwide Software Solution is Needed
Schall has highlighted the need for a central, nationwide software solution that could serve as a usable digital model across Germany. This would aid in streamlining processes and reducing technical barriers that currently exist.
The new Federal Minister of Digital Affairs, Karsten Wildberger, will also be present at the conference. Schall expressed the urgency for decisive action, saying, "We've talked about what we can improve long enough. Now it's time to cut through the red tape and make a real impact."
Priorities at the Digital Ministers Conference
The conference will address three primary topics:
- Expanding digital infrastructure, with the aim of achieving universal mobile and broadband coverage, as well as fiber-optic connections.
- Deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in administration and protection of citizens from AI misuse.
- European digital sovereignty: With a focus on creating unique software solutions in Germany and Europe, as opposed to being overshadowed by American and Chinese markets.
Streamlining Administrative Processes
The German government seeks to streamline administrative procedures by eliminating physical paperwork and automating tasks. This initiative includes creating a central "One Stop Shop" for citizens to easily interact with the government digitally.
In the past, Germany has demonstrated its commitment to digital transformation, forming a dedicated digital ministry, implementing measures to digitize administrative processes, and promoting digital identity and citizen accounts. These efforts aim to create a more efficient and user-friendly government-citizen interface, although specific details regarding car registration and cross-border processes are yet to be determined. Stay tuned for updates as these initiatives progress!
- Digitalization
- SPD
- Mainz
- Karsten Wildberger
- German Press Agency
- Car
- Streamlined Administration
References:
- https://www.zeit.de/digital/2022-03/deutschland-teilen-digitales-identitaetswallet
- https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/digitalministerium-101.html
- https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/karsten-wildberger-neuer-digitalminister-studie-zeigt-in-deutschland-kurz-nach-der-wende-war-erste-digitalisierungswelle-an-ist-abgeklungen-a-6106230.html
- https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Qualifizierte-Zuwanderer-und-echtes-Wirtschaftswachstum-Digitalisierung-in-deutscher-Arbeitswelt-zielt-auf-Auswanderer-aus-Kanada-a-4615531.html
- Minister Dörte Schall from the SPD emphasizes the need for a central, nationwide software solution to streamline digital procedures in German administrations and authorities, particularly in services like car registration.
- As the Digital Ministers Conference approaches, Schall calls for decisive action in implementing standardized online processes, including expanding digital infrastructure, deploying AI, and establishing European digital sovereignty, to simplify administrative processes and create a more efficient government-citizen interface.
