European Week of Regions and Cities side session on THEME 3 – “SMART AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FOR REGIONS”

Empowering Local Governments in the Digital Transformation Process in the Western Balkans and Moldova

For the first time, the Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South-East Europe (NALAS) co-organized Side event in Sombor, Serbia at this year renowned European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) 2024 by EC Committee of Regions.

This event, themed “Unlocking Digital Frontiers & Maximizing Potential for Local Governments in the Western Balkans and Moldova,” was a powerful reminder of the potential of digital transformation to drive progress in local governance. NALAS, as part of the BACID III project, organized a side session with the project partner KDZ and brought together local government representatives, digitalization experts, and regional stakeholders to explore the transformative power of technology and innovation in shaping the future of cities and municipalities.

The event was a celebration of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the promise of digital empowerment. NALAS Digitalization Officer, Jana Belcheva Andreevska led a vibrant discussion on the state of digitalization in the Western Balkans and Moldova. This was a key moment to reflect on the progress made, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities for local governments to integrate digital tools to enhance public service delivery, improve governance, and foster economic prosperity. A comprehensive report on digitalization in the region, produced by the NALAS-led working group on digitalization, was presented. The report shed light on critical gaps, such as the need for better infrastructure, digital skills, and the alignment of strategies at the local, national, and EU levels. A significant part of the discussion revolved around funding gaps for green and digital transformation and the need for stronger awareness of available funding opportunities for local governments.

NALAS Digitalization Officer, Jana, representing NALAS, emphasized the need for digital skills training for civil servants. This training is a critical part of developing a digital competence framework for local governments. The potential for digital transformation in the region is enormous, but as highlighted by experts, it requires strategic alignment, political will, and a deep commitment from local governments to make digitalization a priority. The session also featured presentations of ongoing pilot projects, such as the smart parking system in Sombor, Serbia, and the remote health monitoring systems in Delchevo, Macedonia, both supported by the Austrian Development Agency and the KDZ Center for Public Administration Research. These pilots are excellent examples of digital transformation at the local level, improving urban mobility and healthcare services for citizens, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.

A key takeaway from the event was the undeniable importance of collaboration. Local governments, regional bodies, and international organizations must work together to build a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem. The event underscored that digital transformation cannot happen in isolation. The sharing of good practices, lessons learned, and collaborative approaches are critical to driving the digital agenda forward. As Thomas Prorok, Director of KDZ, pointed out, digitalization plays a crucial role not only in improving governance but also in enhancing the welfare of citizens across the region. NALAS’s ongoing support for local digital transformation under the BACID project is a testament to this commitment, as it continues to promote webinars, study visits, and regional events like the Western Balkan Digital Summit organized by RCC.

Local Government Perspectives: Challenges, Successes, and Innovations

The EWRC session also featured presentations from cities leading the digital transformation efforts in the region, offering firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by local governments in the Western Balkans and Moldova. The City of Chisinau, represented by Mr. Corneliu Iatco​, advisor to the General Mayor​ of Chisinau, shared its experience in implementing a range of e-services designed to improve transparency, citizen engagement, and urban management. Key initiatives included GIS Locals for spatial data management, the Transparency platform for real-time access to municipal budgets, and the SMART platform that integrates essential city services. These tools aim to improve governance, ensure seamless access to information, and enhance citizen participation.

In addition, the City of Podgorica representative Mrs. Dejana Radović chief of Innovation and smart technology department showcased its efforts in advancing digital transformation through initiatives like ePodgorica 2.0. This platform allows citizens to interact with city administration easily, offering online document submission and even voice interaction. Podgorica is also focusing on smart city solutions, with initiatives like air quality monitoring and smart traffic management. Despite challenges such as political instability and budgetary constraints, Podgorica remains steadfast in its commitment to becoming a fully smart city, underpinned by sustainable and innovative digital technologies.

The Marmara Municipalities Union (MMU) represented by Mrs.Irem Kurtulus Korkmaz Senior Urban Policy Expert, also shared its extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of local government cooperation and knowledge-sharing. As Turkey’s largest regional local government association, MMU works with over 180 members across the Marmara region to promote smart cities, sustainability, and urban innovations. MMU’s participation in the Digitalization Working Group and its projects, such as the Digital Twin Project in Istanbul, are aimed at improving disaster management and urban planning through advanced technology.

Promoting EU Initiatives to Support Local Green and Digital Transformation

The event also provided a platform to discuss key EU initiatives that are shaping the digital landscape for local governments. The LORDIMAS tool, presented by the European Committee of the Regions, Mr. Marek Bobi, was introduced as a powerful digital maturity assessment tool. This tool helps local and regional governments evaluate their digital transformation progress, offering real-time data and allowing comparisons across cities in Europe. LORDIMAS is critical for aligning the digital efforts of Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries with EU standards, helping local governments foster collaboration and improve their digital readiness.

Another significant initiative is the EU4Digital program, which aims to enhance digital connectivity in the Western Balkans, accelerating their integration into the EU Digital Single Market. One of its flagship projects, WiFi4WB, seeks to provide 300 Wi-Fi networks across municipalities, bridging digital gaps in the region. This program also supports the digitalization of businesses, particularly MSMEs, by helping them adopt digital solutions and connect with the EU Digital Europe Programme. These initiatives are helping local governments in the region build the digital infrastructure needed to improve public service delivery, enhance citizen engagement, and drive sustainable development.

COVALEX EU Project: Enhancing Disaster Risk Management through Digital Solutions

The COVALEX project, focusing on disaster risk management, also highlighted the importance of data interoperability between municipalities, civil protection authorities, and scientific institutions. The project aims to enhance disaster preparedness by developing IT tools that improve data sharing and decision-making processes. This initiative is vital for municipalities in both EU and non-EU countries, as it fosters collaboration, ensuring that local governments are equipped with the tools they need to respond effectively to disasters. By promoting cross-border cooperation and sharing data, the project strengthens disaster management capabilities, ultimately safeguarding citizens and enhancing resilience.

Conclusion: A Groundbreaking Experience for NALAS

As NALAS celebrated its first experience organizing an event at the European Week of Regions and Cities, it became clear that the journey toward digital transformation for local governments in the Western Balkans and Moldova is full of promise. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the shared responsibility of local governments, regional bodies, and international organizations to create an inclusive digital ecosystem. The discussions, presentations, and insights gained during this event are just the beginning of NALAS’s continued commitment to empowering local governments to embrace digital transformation, unlock new opportunities, and improve the quality of life for citizens across the region.

The event in Sombor was not just a gathering—it was a turning point, marking the start of a new chapter for local governments in the Western Balkans and Moldova as they take bold steps toward digital innovation and sustainability with support by NALAS, KDZ and ADA.

NALAS is excited to continue this journey, driving the digital transformation agenda forward and ensuring that every local government in the region has the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed in the digital age.

Additional links that contain relevant information about your session (PPT presentation, background notes…)