Regional Initiatives for Europe

The ITU-EKIP Regional Regulatory Forum, held in Budva, Montenegro, focused on ‘Vision for Connectivity: Innovating the Future of Telecom Regulation and Security’. Key sessions addressed trends in satellite communication, spectrum sharing, and the development of broadband networks.

5G Techritory held in Riga, Latvia, featured a series of special sessions dedicated to universal connectivity, cybersecurity ecosystem, and the outcomes of the World Telecommunication Conference, including their implications for Europe and beyond.

Following the joint declaration signed at the Global Symposium for Regulators in 2023, in cooperation with BEREC, EaPeReg and EMERG, a series of six joint workshops on ‘Strengthening Broadband Infrastructure and Services across the Europe Region and beyond’ were held to harmonize approaches to broadband mapping and improve collaboration.

In cooperation with Agency for Electronic Communications and Post (AKEP), the development of a comprehensive broadband mapping system in Albania was advanced. 

In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro, a comprehensive National Broadband Plan for 2025-2029 was developed.

The ITU Regional Office for Europe facilitated the development of a special project on Africa’s National Broadband Mapping Systems funded by the EU’s Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027, with a total contribution of EUR 15 million. It aims to enhance the capacities of at least 11 national regulators in policymaking, open-source solutions, and technical operations. Key activities include training in open data practices and deploying the necessary hardware and software for broadband mapping systems.

Activities related to Ukraine included the development of the Digital Development Profile 2024; the provision of technical assistance on the assessment of the rehabilitation costs of the broadcasting sector; and a training program on the 5G roll-out for Ukrainian officials working in the digital sector.