Estonian politician Kersti Kaljulaid, who was president from 2016 to 2023, frequently discussed the value of digital development in society and government. She underlined that governments must not fall behind but rather embrace the digital world if individuals and companies are already active in it.

In a speech, Kaljulaid emphasized the importance of ensuring that services, like goods and people, can travel freely within the European Union (EU). This concept transcends national boundaries into the digital sphere, where she thinks obstacles should be reduced to make it simpler for all EU citizens to access digital services.

Kaljulaid explained her vision with a metaphor: the internet can act as a superhighway connecting all EU member states, but only if there are no digital tolls or checkpoints along the way, just as roads connect different cities, allowing people and goods to move freely. She maintained that establishing a "digital union" inside the EU would contribute to ensuring equitable access and cross-border interoperability.

Her remarks are in line with her larger views on technology and governance, which support governments using digital tools to increase productivity, openness, and citizen participation. Kaljulaid hoped that by advocating for these reforms, other leaders would be encouraged to embrace technological advancement and modify their policies appropriately.

Since modern governance depends more and more on robust digital infrastructure and smooth cross-border interactions, Kaljulaid's message essentially urges policymakers to view themselves as facilitators rather than barriers in the field of digital development.