Municipalities from Bosnia and Herzegovina can apply by 28 April 2025 to benefit from the WiFi4WB (Wi-Fi for Western Balkans) initiative, which will provide free Wi-Fi hotspots for up to 500 municipalities across the Western Balkans, with the support of the European Union.
The initiative to install free public WiFi in public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, museums, and schools, is part of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and emphasizes digital transformation as a key driver for regional integration and economic development. Even though Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only Western Balkan country which has not submitted a Reform Agenda to the European Commission for agreement, and is therefore unable to access over 1 billion euro available to Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Reform and Growth Facility in exchange for delivering on reforms, the country can still benefit from the Growth Plan through initiatives like WiFi4WB.
WiFi4WB seeks to bridge the digital divide, boost economic opportunities, and empower local communities by ensuring universal internet access. Participating municipalities will receive comprehensive support, including the supply and installation of Wi-Fi equipment, internet service and maintenance. In return, municipalities are required to commit to maintaining the service beyond the initial funding period, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
“I am glad that municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina are able to benefit from this fantastic offer, and I call on as many as possible to take advantage of this opportunity,” said the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca. “Regular political crises, including the current one, unfortunately too often prevent Bosnia and Herzegovina from making full use of the many opportunities available from the EU, including the Growth Plan. Municipalities are however closer to citizens and provide useful local services, so are best placed to make use of opportunities such as WiFi4WB. I am certain that there are BiH citizens across the country who would be very happy to enjoy free local WiFi, and I encourage them to express their interest in this offer to their municipal representatives”.
The public call is open to all municipalities from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – and applications must be submitted by the Mayor/Head of Municipality, an official employed by the municipality, or a member of the municipal council, EU Delegation in BiH writes.
WiFi4WB is part of the EU4Digital Action, funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Inspired by the successful WiFi4EU initiative, which provided free Wi-Fi to nearly 9,000 municipalities across Europe, WiFi4WB extends this vision to the Western Balkans, equipping municipalities with the tools to enhance digital infrastructure and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.
For more information on how to apply and participate in WiFi4WB, visit wifi4wb.eu.
