Following an auction for the implementation of 5G mobile internet in Georgia, telecoms operator Cellfie Mobile is expected to expand the country’s 5G network during the next 3-7 years. Georgia’s regulatory authority for broadcasting and electronic communications, the Communications Commission, held the auction in August 2023.

EU4Digital Facility has published a report on EU best practices in promoting competitive broadband. The report analyses case studies from five EU Member States, sharing experiences that Eastern partner countries may apply when monitoring broadband market developments and implementing broadband policies. This work will enable EU4Digital and Eastern partner countries to realise digital connectivity targets that support key European Union policy regarding connectivity.

The Surge Summit is a renowned event in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) region, and resonates strongly with the EU4Digital Facility's objectives in promoting digital transformation and harmonisation in the Eastern Partnership countries. Dedicated to fostering connections and collaboration among emerging start-ups and investors, the 2023 Surge Summit in Tbilisi, Georgia on 5-7 September, allowed start-ups from various countries to present themselves to potential investors.

The European Commission adopted a proposal on 1 September 2023 to incorporate roaming into the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. Once all necessary steps are completed, Moldovan visitors to the EU will be able to use their mobile phones under the same price conditions as in their home country, while travellers from the EU will benefit from the same rights when visiting Moldova.

The team that curates news, announcements, stories and other publications about EU4Digital and Eastern Partnership digital activities invites you to take stock of the growing number of ways you can access this content – in particular, a brand-new Twitter account : come and join the conversation!

EU4Digital Facility has published an updated report on the EU baseline for eCommerce in the Eastern Partnership (EaP). The report provides an overview of cross-border eCommerce in the European Union and EU best practices and norms as a benchmark for assessing the Eastern partner countries’ cross-border eCommerce. The report analyses three key areas - legal framework, standards and the eCommerce ecosystem.

Want to find out more about digital developments, future priorities and the policy agenda for Eastern partner countries? The EU4Digital Initiative is organising two events dedicated to the topic of digital transformation in the Eastern Partnership. On 14 November 2023, the Digital Conference for the Eastern Partnership will provide a space for wider discussion and anyone who is interested in participating will be welcome. On 15 November 2023, invited members of the EU4Digital Phase II Steering Committee will meet to discuss the flagship regional EU4Digital Initiative and projects.

The EU4Digital Facility is excited to announce the official kick-off of its national pavilion account pilot activity. This eTrade initiative aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from participating countries with an opportunity to test their products in the EU market, increase cross-border sales, and potentially create a base for further project development in their respective countries.

“Wood is the all-time best material for making goods,” says Volodymyr Popovych, founder of ‘LIGNO’ in Western Ukraine. His company specialises in making wood products mostly from beech, oak, ash, maple, alder and walnut. It produces and sells everything from basic kitchenware and tiny accessories to furniture and building materials. These products have already been available on the EU marketplace, but, thanks to personalised support offered in the EU4Digital eCommerce consultations centre, LIGNO has polished up its eCommerce strategy and aims to carve out a larger slice of the market.