Telecom rules

The Cabinet of Ministers in the Republic of Moldova has approved the Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023-2030. The approval, in early September 2023, is a significant step as the strategy sets out a comprehensive vision for the country’s digital development. The strategy centres on alignment with the European integration agenda and focuses on citizens' needs.

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 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!

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.

Telecoms operators can apply to participate in an auction in August 2023, for introducing 5th generation (5G) internet technology in Georgia. The country’s regulatory authority for broadcasting and electronic communications, the Communications Commission announced the auction on 6 July. The deadline for applications is 28 July 2023 at 17:00 local time (GMT+4).

Over 4 million Ukrainian refugees have been registered across the European Union since 24 February 2022. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, telecom operators based in Ukraine and in the European Union share the conviction that displaced Ukrainians should continue to have affordable access to connectivity to stay in touch with family and friends and to access the Internet and reliable sources of information. An agreement between EU and Ukrainian telecom operators, supporting affordable or free roaming and international calls, was extended on 9 July 2023 for another year.

To strengthen digital development and innovation in Moldova, representatives of the EU4Digital Facility and the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) visited the country on 14-16 June 2023. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and explore initiatives that are advancing the Republic of Moldova’s digital landscape.