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EU-W.Balkans digital strategy to be unveiled at Sofia summit

Gabriel is working with operators to lower roaming charges soon

06 March, 18:47
(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 06 MAR - EU Commissioner for Digital, Mariya Gabriel, announced today that the digital strategy for the Western Balkans which EU is currently preparing will be unveiled at the EU-Western Balkans ministerial summit to be held in Sofia on May, 17th.

"We are discussing with the Western Balkans' telecommunication operators and I will meet them again on March, 28th", Gabriel said during a conference at the European Parliament.

In its digital strategy, Brussels focuses on lowering roaming charges and developing broadband, eGovernment, eProcurement, eHealth and digital skills. "We know that the roaming charges in the region are very high and we want the reduction to take place gradually in a broader context of investments in the region, mostly in telecommunications and broadband", Gabriel added. The EU Commissioner is working to reach a first deal with the operators ahead of the summit.

Technological development in the Western Balkans is also mentioned in the Enlargement Strategy presented by the EU Commission on February, 6th. While promoting digital, "it's important that we don't reproduce the imbalances we see today in the European Union between rural and urban areas", highlighted the Commissioner, who has a special consideration for investments not only in technology but also in "expertise and programmes for citizens to learn how to use digital skills".(ANSA).

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