03-10-2024
Updated WBIF factsheets now available
Autumn brings the updated WBIF factsheets, including the latest figures and project examples.
Accelerating the region’s digital transformation is a priority under the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) to enable the twin green and digital transitions. The roll-out of ultra-fast and secure broadband focuses on remote areas and lower-income populations to ensure universal access. The WBIF also supports investments in secure and energy-efficient data centres, cloud infrastructures, high-performance computing, and exploring synergies with other connectivity areas.
Digital infrastructure was introduced as a WBIF eligible sector in December 2017. The digital projects account for 1% of the total WBIF grants and 2% of the project portfolio in the public sector.
Overall, the digital future benefitted from two EIP flagship investments in 2021-2024, which directed €169.6 million towards rural broadband and digital education infrastructure. The WBIF contributed €44.6 million in EU IPA grants to these investments.
03-10-2024
Autumn brings the updated WBIF factsheets, including the latest figures and project examples.
15-04-2024
Overviews by WBIF sector, transport corridor and bilateral donor-funded projects are now available.
24-04-2023
On 24th March 2023 the kick-off meeting for the Technical Assistance (TA) project for the Montenegro Broadband...
Digitalisation represents an opportunity for the economies and societies in the region, with digital solutions contributing to a sustainable, climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy, and better governance and public services to the citizens. Digital services represent an increasing share of exports from the Western Balkans. With the support of the EU and the Regional Cooperation Council, since 2018 the Western Balkans are implementing a Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans.
The Western Balkans should take stock of implementation to date, identify where work needs to be accelerated as well as broaden the scope and ambition of the region’s digital transformation. Support provided in particular for digital skills development, e-government, e-procurement and e-health services would make public authorities more transparent and accountable, reduce costs and improve service delivery for citizens and businesses, while also addressing the social dimension.
In the digital field, the Plan foresees the investment Flagship 8 - Digital Infrastructure.
Read MoreMobile phone service providers abolished roaming charges for their clients across the region in July 2021.
The EU provides support for digital skills development, e-government, e-procurement and e-health services.
Support to digital start-ups and scale ups and to digital skills, through actions such as the Digital Education Action Plan.
Link the region to the cutting-edge world of digital research and innovation (SELFIE19, HEInnovate20, Digital Education Hackathon, EU Code Week, GEANT network).
Further improve access to digital goods and services, create a level playing field and maximise the growth potential.
Support to capacity building in the region, based on a needs assessment to be conducted in 2021.
2017-2023
2024-2030
DIGITAL AGENDAAt the Digital Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2018, the European Commission launched the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, paving the way for the digital transition of the region. It focuses on the EU Digital Decade policy objectives of digital skills, secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, business and governments, digital transformation. The agenda identifies 5 main priorities:
Work is done in close cooperation with the governments in the region and with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
22-07-2024
Flagship investments endorsed under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, July 2024.
11-11-2022
WBIF key achievements in 2021 on advancing the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan for the West...
