The Digital Assembly is a major annual forum that gathers more than 1,000 stakeholders and high-level policymakers to debate the EU digital policy and the implications of recent technological developments.
This year's edition came at a crucial time as the European Council has called for the full implementation of the Digital Single Market strategy by 2018. At the same time the Commission proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework is being discussed by Member States and the European Parliament. Part of the future long-term budget of the EU will be used to bridge digital investment gaps between Member States and tackle challenges in key areas of the digital economy. A large number of EU citizens and businesses is expected to benefit from such process.
The Assembly also wrapped up a series of important achievements that the Bulgarian Presidency brought in the policy area of the Digital Single Market:
The video can also be found in Bulgarian language.
The programme
With three plenary sessions and five parallel workshops, the Digital Assembly covered a wide range of current key topics on digital policy.
Four initial thematic briefings with laid the basis on:
- Digital in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework
- Free flow of non-personal data and the April 2018 Data package
- European Electronic Communications Code
- Promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services
The plenary sessions followed putting a special focus on how Central and Eastern Europe as well as Western Balkan countries can best benefit from the digitisation of their economies and societies. Developments in our Neighbourhood, particularly the Mediterranean region has been given a secial accent as well. Further workshops dedicated to key digital policy topics such as social media, cybersecurity, digital skills, artificial intelligence and the internet of things, followed.
Launch of the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans
Online Involvement
Your opinion matters: Intresed parts had the chance to follow #DA18eu on Twitter and let their voices be heard by sharing comments to the discussions and presentations.
All plenary sessions where available web streaming in English, French and Bulgarian.
Watch the Digital Assembly video record
Press Corner
Journalists interested in the thematic areas and eventual outcomes of the Digital Assembly 2018, can find press related materials by visiting the relevant page.
Interactive exhibition
An Interactive exhibition was held in parallel with the event. Visitors have had the chance to discover what the European Commission is doing to digitise the European Union and its citizens. The exhibition included projects funded by the EU and current EU digital initiatives and opportunities.
The venue
The event took place at the National Palace of Culture, in "Bulgaria" Square 1, 1463, Sofia, Bulgaria.
(Source: By Bin im Garten - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)