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The European Union (EU) is funding the “Cuba Digital” project with 3 million euros, led by the Estonian e-Governance Academy (eGA), with the aim of modernizing the Cuban public administration and facilitating access to online services.
However, the initiative, which can be interpreted as yet another way for the EU to fund the regime, contrasts with reality as the government maintains a tight grip on internet access, imposing restrictions on information and limiting the digital rights of its citizens.
The Estonian public medium ERR cited the report “Freedom on the Net 2024” by Freedom House and pointed out that Cuba scored only 20 out of 100 points in digital freedom, highlighting barriers to internet access, content censorship, and violations of user rights.
Additionally, the organization reported that the Cuban government "prohibits political pluralism, censors independent media, and represses basic freedoms," raising questions about the actual effectiveness of the digitization project promoted by the EU.
According to ERR, the "Cuba Digital" project, which is based on a cooperation agreement signed in 2016 between the EU and the Cuban regime, aims to improve data interoperability and security in the exchange of public information.
In addition, it was reported that Spain, through FIIAPP, would be responsible for developing a legal framework to regulate the use of data in the public and private sectors with the aim of reducing inequalities.
On the other hand, he emphasized that the implementation of digitalization in Cuba faces significant obstacles.
In this regard, the executive director of eGA, Hannes Astok, explained to the cited news portal that his team has had to deal with an eight-hour time difference with Estonia, frequent power outages, and language barriers, which complicate the execution of the project.
Despite the difficulties, Astok assured that the EU and the Cuban government have shown political will to make progress, and that in previous experiences, Cuba has adopted some recommendations, such as the creation of the public services portal Cubagob.cu, inspired by Estonia's digital system Eesti.ee.
The "Cuba Digital" project, still in its initial phase, will continue to develop based on prior collaboration with Cuban authorities.
The news portal YucaByte conducted an investigation related to the organizations that are developing the “Cuba Digital” project and found that FIIAPP, with a presence in over 120 countries, plays a key role in this initiative.
According to the official page of FIIAPP, the initiative began in June 2024 and will extend until July 2028, with the collaboration of entities such as the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Function, Red.es, the General Secretariat of Digital Administration (SGAD), the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures (SETID), and the National Observatory of Technology and Society (ONTSI).
For its part, eGA, based in Estonia, also plays a key role in the development of "Cuba Digital."
Since its foundation in 2003, it has worked with over 290 organizations worldwide, promoting digital modernization and the openness of societies through innovative technologies.
Within the framework of the project, eGA will lead the creation of digital tools and services for the Cuban public administration, including portals for government services, interoperability systems, and data management, as well as the enhancement of cybersecurity.
The entity has participated in projects backed by the European Union, USAID –recently dismantled by the Donald Trump administration–, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reinforcing its role as a strategic partner in this initiative.
It is striking that the Cuban regime has agreed to work with an organization linked to USAID, an entity known for funding projects aimed at promoting democracy and human rights, aspects that are often criticized by the Government of Cuba, highlighted YucaByte.
In addition, eGA collaborates with international organizations such as the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to ensure high standards of digital security in its projects.
However, in a country where internet access remains censored and used as a tool for governmental control, doubts persist about whether this modernization will facilitate citizen access or further reinforce state surveillance over the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about Digitalization and Internet Access in Cuba
What is the "Cuba Digital" project funded by the European Union?
The "Cuba Digital" project is an initiative funded by the European Union with 3 million euros, led by the Estonian e-Governance Academy (eGA). Its objective is to modernize the Cuban public administration and facilitate access to online services. However, there are concerns about its effectiveness, given the government's control over the internet in Cuba.
How does government control affect internet access in Cuba?
The Cuban government maintains a tight control over internet access, limiting the digital freedoms of its citizens through content censorship and information restrictions. This hinders free and fair access to the internet, negatively impacting the population.
What has been the reaction of Cubans to the new internet rates?
The Cuban population has reacted with wide rejection to the increases in internet rates announced for 2025. The criticisms focus on the disconnect between the rates and the economic reality of the country, where many people cannot afford the service due to their low incomes.
What is the current situation regarding internet access in Cuban households?
Less than 8% of Cuban households have access to the internet, a figure that has remained static since the previous year. This is one of the worst statistics in the region, second only to Haiti, reflecting the limited expansion of the service in the country.
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