European commission has launched the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans at the Digital Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria to support the transition of the region into a digital economy and bring the benefits of the digital transformation, such as faster economic growth, more jobs, and better services.
Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel together with Ministers from six Western Balkan partners – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia commit to: Investing in broadband connectivity, Increasing cybersecurity, trust and digitalisation of industry, Strengthening the digital economy and society, Boosting research and innovation.
The Commissioner, Mariya Gabriel said, “Digital is by definition borderless, spanning regions and continents. Today’s Digital Assembly will see the launch of the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, following on from the clear commitment expressed by EU leaders in the statement of support signed in Sofia on 17 May. The aim of the event is to ensure that the citizens of the Western Balkan region can fully reap the benefits of the fast-paced and inevitable digital transformation. The commitment to the Digital Agenda will ensure that citizens have the skills to match the demands of the new economy and will help modernise public administrations, strengthen cybersecurity, increase connectivity, and improve the business climate.”
Given the scale of the investments required, the Commission is strongly committed to closely cooperating with all partners and Western Balkans authorities to explore how the digital agenda can be fully implemented. The EU–Western Balkan ICT Dialogue initiative created by the Commission in collaboration with the Western Balkans partners will monitor the implementation of the Digital Agenda.
The Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans was presented on 6 February 2018 as one of the six flagship initiatives of engagement objectives in the Communication on a credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans.