Sarajevo, (Fena) – Municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have until April 28 of this year to apply for the WiFi4WB initiative (Wi-Fi for the Western Balkans), which, with support from the European Union, aims to establish free Wi-Fi access points for approximately 500 local governments throughout the Western Balkans.
This initiative focuses on providing free internet in public areas such as squares, parks, libraries, museums, and schools. It is a component of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, emphasizing digital transformation as a vital catalyst for regional integration and economic progress. While Bosnia and Herzegovina stands out as the only Western Balkan nation that has not submitted the Reform Agenda to the European Commission, thereby missing access to over one billion euros in funds through the Instrument for Reform and Growth tied to reform implementation, the country can still benefit from the Growth Plan via projects like WiFi4WB.
The goal of the WiFi4WB initiative is to reduce the digital divide, enhance economic opportunities, and empower local communities by guaranteeing universal internet access. Participating local governments will receive extensive support, which includes the procurement and installation of Wi-Fi equipment, internet services, and ongoing maintenance. After the initial funding period, local governments will be responsible for sustaining the service, ensuring long-term viability and impact.
“I am delighted that municipalities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina are able to take advantage of this excellent opportunity, and I urge as many as possible to participate. Ongoing political crises, including the current situation, regrettably hinder Bosnia and Herzegovina from fully leveraging the numerous opportunities offered by the EU, including the Growth Plan. However, municipalities are closer to the citizens and provide essential local services, positioning them ideally to benefit from initiatives like WiFi4WB. I am confident that many citizens across this country would appreciate free internet access, and I encourage them to express their interest in this initiative to their municipal representatives,” stated Luigi Soreca, head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The public call is open to all municipalities from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Applications may be submitted by the mayor, an executive officer, or a legislative official.
WiFi4WB is a part of the EU4Digital Action project, supported by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Inspired by the successful WiFi4EU initiative, which provided free internet to nearly 9,000 local governments across Europe, WiFi4WB aims to extend this vision to the Western Balkans, equipping local governments with the tools needed to improve digital infrastructure and enhance the experiences of residents and visitors, as stated by the EU Delegation in BiH. (28.04.)
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