Summit highlights digital shortcomings in Western Balkans

Balkan states face challenges in their digital transformation, including a lack of digitally skilled labour, infrastructure gaps, and digital government services, according to stakeholders who took part in the two-day Western Balkan Digital Summit on 4 and 5 October in Sarajevo.

As part of efforts to boost the digitalisation of the region, the Western Balkans Digital Summit took place for the sixth time to foster collaboration on digital transformation, innovation, and connectivity.

For example, internet shortages in Bosnia and Herzegovina affect more than 500 primary and secondary schools.

“Digital development should be at the disposal of everyone, regardless of their social and economic status, age or geographical location. The region should ensure digital technology access to all citizens to reduce the digital gap and build a more prosperous future,” Bosnian Communications and Traffic Minister Edin Forto stated.

“The Summit will help to create preconditions that are more favourable for investments, development of start-ups and exchange of knowledge,” Forto added.

The summit brought together government representatives, industry leaders, and experts from the digital sector, including Roberto Viola, director of the European Commission’s directorate for connectivity and Stefan Schnorr, Germany’s digital state secretary.

“The aim is to exchange ideas and best practice experiences and to deepen cooperation between the participating countries,” Schnorr told Euractiv.

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The Balkan’s digital sphere

In 2018, the European Commission initiated the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans to accompany the countries’ transition to digital economies.

Under the Digital Agenda for Western Balkans, the Commission, along with the Western Balkans six, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, agreed to investment in broadband connectivity, cybersecurity, research and development for a digital economy.

In June, the EU announced a new investment package amounting to €2.1. billion for 14 projects in the Western Balkans.

One project in Bosnia and Herzegovina addresses the digital development. “Go Digital in the Western Balkans”  is a project that aims to support SMEs with their investments in digital transformation.

The Project was launched in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Union (EU) and Germany’s Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

2023 Summit Agenda

According to Schnorr, a key task of the summit is to strengthen digital infrastructure, ensure cyber-secure networks, and promote “digital entrepreneurship as a means of economic empowerment”.

Another aim is to send the message of openness for cooperation with other regions and global partners and address cybersecurity and privacy protection.

The Commission’s Viola emphasised that cybersecurity is closely connected to the digital sphere and a high priority of the EU’s agenda.

“We strongly condemn cyber attacks in the region. The EU is actively engaged in various initiatives to enhance cyber capacity, including preparing to respond to damaging cyber attacks,” he said.

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Germany’s involvement

In 2014, the “Berlin Process” was set up to foster cooperation between the Western Balkan Six and the EU institutions, international financial institutions, civil societies and further stakeholders.

“Germany has long been committed to supporting the Western Balkan countries on their path to European integration within the framework of the so-called Berlin Process,“ Schnorr added.

The goals set under the Berlin Process include achieving reconciliation among regional societies, improving regional economic cooperation, and ensuring sustainable growth.

“Our goal is to drive the digital transformation in the Western Balkans, strengthen the economy and, in particular, promote stability in the region,” Schnorr told Euractiv.

While the summit is not part of the Berlin Summit pre-meetings currently taking place in Tirana before the event on 16 October, it is considered a vital part of regional collaboration.

[Edited by Alice Taylor/Nathalie Weatherald]

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