Ukraine Showcases Strategic Role of Open Data during wartime at International E-Governance Conference in Estonia

On May 28–29, EU4DigitalUA project representatives, together with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, took part in the high-level E-Governance Conference 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia. Held under the theme “From Bytes to Benefits: Raising Prosperity Through Digital Transformation,” the 11th edition of the conference brought together over 600 digital transformation leaders from 85 countries to explore innovative approaches to public governance and govtech solutions.

Together with the Head of the Expert Group of the Development of Open Data Sphere of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, Yanina Liubyva, Coordinator of the EU4DigitalUA Project from FIAP, Miguel Angel Lombardo, showcased a topic “Governing data in crisis: unlocking economic value from open data amid war.“ It focused on the role of open data during crises and explored how to balance transparency and security when public access to information becomes both more difficult and more necessary. Through expert discussion and the example of Ukraine, participants learned about the challenges open data faces in emergencies and how it can support public participation and informed decision-making. 

Since the launch of its open data reforms in 2015, following the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has built one of the most advanced open data ecosystems in Europe:

– Over 9 million unique users of the national Open Data Portal [data.gov.ua] (since 2016)

– More than 38,000 datasets currently available online (out of a total of 80,000)

– Over 100 digital services built on open data

– 21 documented case studies demonstrating the socioeconomic impact of open data

– Estimated market value of Ukraine’s open data sector: over UAH 100 billion (pre-war estimates)

– Top 3 ranking in the European Open Data Maturity Assessment for three consecutive years — despite the ongoing war

“Ukraine is constantly working to strengthen public trust in government — particularly as the Russian Federation seeks to destroy this trust to weaken our position during the full-scale invasion,” said Yanina Liubyva. “At the same time, we understand that accountability is our mark, our way of demonstrating resilience and democratic values. That’s why we continue to work on the task of balancing national security with transparency and accountability.”

During her presentation, Ms Liubyva highlighted several critical challenges faced by the open data sector during wartime:

– Restrictions under martial law and vulnerability of sensitive information

– Legislative uncertainty around access to public information

– High personnel turnover and staff shortages in public institutions

– Skills gaps among civil servants

– Limited awareness of the economic value of open data

– The ongoing need to balance transparency with national security

To help address these challenges, Ukraine has implemented several initiatives, including the “Three-Part Test” – a legal framework to assess when access to public data can be justifiably limited under martial law. Also, a Data+ Platform for Coordination – a multi-stakeholder working group including government, civil society, Parliament, the Ombudsman’s Office, international partners, and national security agencies. This platform enables consensus-based decisions on data accessibility.

Ukraine’s experience offers valuable insights for governments worldwide on ensuring democratic transparency under extreme pressure. Key takeaways include:

– Ensuring legal frameworks allow for proportional and temporary data restrictions during crises.

– Maintaining confidentiality of critical infrastructure data regardless of peace or wartime.

– Creating technical and legal mechanisms for adaptive data management.

– Strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration and international partnerships to ensure objectivity and resilience.

We are grateful to our Estonian partners from the e-Governance Academy for the invitation and their continued, strategic partnership.