EU’s digital single market extends its horizons

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) Network, aiming to accelerate digital transformation throughout the European Union, has expanded to Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine and Türkiye

These hubs will help local businesses, startups, and public institutions access cutting-edge technology, AI expertise and capacities, and funding, driving innovation and growth with a particular focus on AI. 

As part of the call for proposals, 18 projects were selected - 7 from five Western Balkan (WB) partners, 5 from Türkiye, and 6 from Ukraine. The projects for the EDIHs in the WBs started in January 2025 will last four years. The budget of the call is €14.6 million, with €4.5 million going to the hubs in Ukraine, €4.5million going to hubs in Türkiye, €1.6million going to Serbia and €1 million going to Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia respectively. 

“Bringing the Western Balkans into the EDIH Network is a major step in their integration into the EU’s Digital Single Market and is part of the EU’s Growth Plan that supports partners’ digital transformation,” – says European Commission press-release. “A strong focus on AI adoption ensures that hubs can leverage AI-driven tools to enhance productivity, decision-making, and competitiveness across Europe.”

EDIHs are co-financed, with 50% of the funding coming from the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and the remaining 50% from other national, regional or private sources.

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