Simplification of the EU regulatory framework and stimulation of our market are the key to using the digital potential of Central-Eastern Europe and making the most of the rest of the so-called digital decade. We need a united approach, coordinated efforts in the EU and close cooperation among Central-Eastern European Member States - these are some of the conclusions of the recent CEE Digital Summit held in Warsaw, which brought together national and EU decision-makers, industry experts and researchers from 11 countries of the region.

The Summit was hosted by CEE Digital Coalition, a regional gathering of digital industry associations, cooperating to boost the region’s competitiveness, advance its digital transformation and foster cooperation of Central-Eastern European (CEE) countries in shaping the EU digital agenda.

Goals for the second half of the digital decade
This year the conference’s main theme was “Halfway through the digital decade”. The conversation focused on the progress made in Central-Eastern Europe in recent years, EU goals set for the current decade and challenges ahead of the region until 2030. Experts gathered in Warsaw were seeking solutions to current, most pressing challenges in the field of digital transformation and opportunities for closer cooperation, while setting the goals for Central-Eastern Europe’s digital advance for the next 5 years – remainder of the decade dubbed as digital in the EU. – Our region, which has made a true leap in recent years and has a chance to strengthen its position in the EU and globally, at the halfway mark of the digital decade, stands at a crossroads. We must deliver on the simplification, implementation and stimulation prospects. At the heart of any real change, there must be stronger, closer coordination and regional cooperation. Finally, we must ensure flexibility and readiness for breakthrough technologies. I am certain that by remaining ready to closely cooperate on these issues and by coming together, we can reinforce our cooperation and use the coming 5 years to the fullest – said Michał Kanownik, president of Digital Poland Association and initiator of CEE Digital Coalition while opening the conference.

Regulations, data, competences and the market
Much attention in the event’s agenda was given to the EU regulations affecting the digital sector. Experts pointed out that there is a growing consensus that the EU needs simplification of the regulatory ecosystem. According to them, Member States struggle to implement previously adopted EU rules, while regulatory fragmentation in the EU translates to a delay in European citizens’ access to the latest technology, including advanced AI models. - Amidst these changes, countries of Central and Eastern Europe can not afford to be inactive or act in an uncoordinated, fragmented manner - speakers of the first panel discussion of CEE Digital Summit Warsaw 2025 argued.

Other topics covered during the CEE Digital Summit included access to data as a driver of innovative, digital economy as well as ethical challenges associated with technological progress. The inclusion of women in the ICT sector, developing digital skills in the work force, and market stimulation mechanisms were also discussed.

Partners of CEE Digital Summit Warsaw 2025 were Business & Science Poland and Procivis. Video The recording of the conference’s stream is available on the official website of the event: https://ceedigitalsummit.com/