The European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are stepping up support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina by launching the Go Digital in Bosnia and Herzegovina programme. The programme was launched on 19 May with an event held in Sarajevo and aims to help SMEs invest in the digitalisation of their businesses, alongside other investments to improve productivity, operational efficiency and resilience.

One of the elements of the programme will be a specialised credit line provided by the EBRD in cooperation with local financial institutions. The EU will provide grant incentives worth up to 15% of the total loan amount to make SME investments in digitalisation, automation, competitiveness and green technologies more affordable.

The Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, explained that the EU4SMEs Programme is part of the EU’s assistance to support the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the transition to a future-oriented economy. “SMEs are a key driver behind economic growth and development, and support for digitalisation will help businesses to be more competitive in local and international markets. The EU’s current Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance support to the green and digital transition amounts to some €50 million, and targets SMEs in particular. SMEs need to make full use of innovative technologies, skills and services, not only to grow on a more sustainable basis, but also to survive in the economy of the future.”

The programme will be accompanied by activities from Germany’s GIZ, which will help to build an ecosystem for digitalisation, automation and innovation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including digital innovation hubs, in line with EU best practice.

The new Go Digital in Bosnia and Herzegovina programme contributes directly to the European Commission’s Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, which aims to support the transition of the private sector and help businesses fully secure the benefits of the digital transformation of the economy.