The European Union offers an opportunity for free internet to local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo, (Fena) – Municipalities from Bosnia and Herzegovina can apply by April 28 of this year for the initiative WiFi4WB (Wi-Fi for the Western Balkans), which, with the support of the European Union, ensures the establishment of free Wi-Fi access points for about 500 local governments across the Western Balkans.

The initiative for free internet in public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, museums, and schools is part of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and highlights digital transformation as a key driver of regional integration and economic development. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only Western Balkan country that has not submitted the Reform Agenda to the European Commission for agreement and therefore cannot access the funds of more than one billion euros available to BiH through the Instrument for Reform and Growth conditional on reform implementation, BiH can still enjoy the benefits of the Growth Plan through initiatives like WiFi4WB.

The WiFi4WB initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, increase economic opportunities, and empower local communities by ensuring universal internet access. For local governments involved in the initiative, comprehensive support is provided, including the procurement and installation of Wi-Fi equipment, internet services, and maintenance, while local governments are required to take responsibility for maintaining the service after the initial funding period, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

– I am pleased that municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina can take advantage of this fantastic offer and call on as many as possible to seize this opportunity. Regular political crises, including the current one, unfortunately, too often prevent Bosnia and Herzegovina from fully exploiting the numerous opportunities offered by the EU, including the Growth Plan. However, municipalities are closer to citizens and provide useful local services, putting them in the best position to take advantage of opportunities like WiFi4WB. I am sure there are citizens throughout this country who would gladly enjoy free internet, and I encourage them to express their interest in this initiative to their municipality representatives – said 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, and applications are submitted by the mayor, an executive officer, or a legislative official.

WiFi4WB is part of the EU4Digital Action project, funded 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 enabled free internet for nearly 9,000 local governments across Europe, WiFi4WB extends this vision to the Western Balkans, providing local governments with the tools to enhance digital infrastructure and enrich the lives of residents and visitors, stated the EU Delegation in BiH. (28.04.)