Estonia consolidates all central IT services under the RIA

The Estonian government has decided to consolidate state central IT base services under the State Information System Authority (RIA). In the first phase, the State IT Centre (RIT) will merge with RIA by 1 January 2027, followed by the merger of the e-Governance Foundation (RIKS) by July 2029. The changes aim to improve cybersecurity, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

The Estonian government has decided to consolidate all state central IT base services under a single authority, the State Information System Authority (RIA). The government cabinet has already approved the reorganisation, with the process continuing until the end of 2029.

Three-phase reorganisation

In the first step, the State IT Centre (RIT) and RIA will merge by 1 January 2027. Subsequently, IT base services from various government sectors will be gradually consolidated under RIA. Finally, the e-Governance Foundation (RIKS) will join RIA by 1 July 2029 at the latest.

Liisa Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digitalisation, explained to ERR that the goal is to better protect the state against cyber threats and use taxpayer money more efficiently. "These changes will take place gradually, so that by the end of 2029, IT base services for the digital state, such as communications, infrastructure, workstation services, platform services and licence management, along with associated support roles, positions and resources, will be consolidated into RIA from various IT departments and institutions," she said.

Stronger cyber shield, artificial intelligence and oversight

Pakosta emphasised that unified cybersecurity is stronger than a fragmented approach where each state institution spends separately on similar activities. "A protective cyber shield is unified, and due to the consolidation of defences, more will also be invested in it," the minister noted.

In addition, RIA will henceforth be responsible for designing and overseeing nationwide IT architecture. The minister also highlighted the artificial intelligence dimension: "RIA will henceforth shape a comprehensive approach to the systematic adoption of artificial intelligence systems in public services, supporting its secure, efficient and broad-based implementation across the public sector."

No mass redundancies, but staff numbers will decline

Pakosta confirmed that the reorganisation will not result in mass redundancies, as implementing the consolidation efforts requires considerable collective effort and current specialists are essential for this. However, over the three-year period, IT base services-related staff will be reduced by approximately 50 people.

However, the savings will not come solely from reduced personnel costs; most of the expected financial savings will come from other fixed costs associated with providing base services. The next government cabinet discussion on this matter will take place on 9 July 2026.