What might eTrade in the Eastern Partnership region look like in future? How will EU4Digital have helped?

We can envisage the following best-case (fictional) scenario as the result of EU4Digital activities affecting the future of eTrade in the Eastern Partnership region: 

1. Anna is a small ceramics producer in Odesa, Ukraine, who is growing her business. She has participated in EU4Digital eCommerce consultations for small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and now is successfully selling her crafts on a major global online marketplace.
2. Daniel is an Austrian boutique owner who discovered Anna’s work and wants to re-sell it in Innsbrück, Austria. Without any paper involved, contracts have been signed and invoices paid. It was fast and easy to manage these documents, as legislation and technical standards have been aligned.
3. When loading the goods in Ukraine, Anna submits the shipment customs data electronically before the goods reached the border. This allows the customs authority in Ukraine to review the documents and conduct a risk assessment in advance.
4. The aligned processes and communication systems make it easy for customs authorities in Ukraine and other transit and destination countries to cooperate smoothly.
5. Even though the shipment is carried via several transport modes (e.g. rail and road), the logistics carrier faces no delays or disruptions as all the freight documentation is seamlessly filled and exchanged though certified eFTI (electronic freight transport information) platforms.

A new strong business partnership has developed between Ukraine and Austrian SMEs.