Becoming part of the European Union means more than just aligning with political and economic systems; it also requires candidate countries to adopt a standardized set of digital technologies and policies known as the acquis. This includes everything from implementing secure digital wallets and streamlined online government services to establishing robust cybersecurity defenses and regulating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). As Euronews prepares for its EU Enlargement Summit, the spotlight shines on how these aspiring members are tackling this crucial technological integration.
Digital Wallets: Paving the Way for Seamless Online Services
In 2024, the EU issued a strong directive urging member states to develop digital wallets within the next two years. These wallets serve as secure hubs where citizens can store their digital identities, essential documents, and even sign contracts electronically — all while adhering to stringent EU data privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Several candidate nations are already taking steps in this direction.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Moldova have either launched or are testing digital wallet applications.
- By 2026, Ukraine, Serbia, and Albania plan to roll out their own comprehensive digital wallet systems.
Moldova’s journey is particularly notable as it leverages EU assistance through the ‘We Build Consortium’ program. Their e-governance platform, EVO, will soon incorporate a dedicated “documents” tab serving as the core of the digital wallet. A separate electronic signature application within the platform further enhances its functionality.
North Macedonia aims to introduce “m.Uslugi,” a comprehensive “super application” that by the year’s end will act as a one-stop shop for citizens, offering digital ID management, document storage, deadline reminders, and even a centralized digital inbox. Meanwhile, Albanian media reports suggest Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government envisions a state-owned company called Identitek spearheading the development of Albania’s digital ID system. This system will enable citizens to utilize their government-issued identification on smartphones or computers as multifunctional wallets.
Cybersecurity: Building Defenses and Strengthening Cooperation
The EU emphasizes robust cybersecurity across all member states through directives like the Network and Information Systems (NIS) directive, which harmonizes enforcement in key sectors such as energy, transportation, healthcare, finance, and digital infrastructure. These directives mandate that each country develop a national cybersecurity strategy outlining essential services requiring enhanced protection and establishes mechanisms for sharing threat intelligence within the EU during large-scale attacks.
Ukraine, having faced devastating cyberattacks in recent years, demonstrates this commitment through agreements with the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). These include collaborative efforts to train more cybersecurity professionals and facilitate information exchange. Notably, the EU established a dedicated cybersecurity lab for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and actively participates in the Tallinn Mechanism initiative to bolster Ukraine’s short-term and long-term cyber capacity building.
Beyond Ukraine, several other candidate countries are aligning their strategies with EU directives:
- Albania, Montenegro, Turkey, Georgia, Moldova, and North Macedonia all possess national cybersecurity strategies that encompass key aspects of the EU’s directives.
Moldova further strengthens its commitment by joining ENISA’s upcoming cybersecurity reserve—a network of trusted providers across the bloc ready to respond during major cyber incidents. Montenegro took a proactive step in 2022, establishing the Centre for Cybersecurity Capacity Building for the Western Balkans in collaboration with French and Slovenian authorities. However, not all strategies are entirely compliant with EU legislation. Turkey’s cybersecurity strategy drew criticism from opposition parties who raised concerns about its potential to enable broad surveillance and infringe on freedom of speech.
Serbia, meanwhile, is actively working on a cybercrime strategy with EU support to effectively address high-tech crime and leverage electronic evidence in investigations.
Emerging Technologies: Navigating the AI Landscape
The EU’s groundbreaking AI Act sets forth a comprehensive framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems based on risk levels. This legislation mandates strict safety, transparency, and data privacy requirements for AI applications across sectors like education, employment, healthcare, and law enforcement. Furthermore, each country must establish national authorities to ensure compliance with the AI Act, guaranteeing that developed AI systems are auditable and traceable.
While Albania, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine have all formulated AI strategies, legislative frameworks are yet to be implemented.
- Albania* aims to leverage AI in sectors such as energy management, public procurement, and combating tax evasion. Notably, Tirana appointed the world’s first dedicated AI minister, Diella, who is tasked with overseeing public tenders, promising increased transparency and minimized corruption risks. However, critics caution that AI models like Diella are susceptible to inherent biases, which could potentially influence decision-making processes.
The race towards digital transformation within EU candidate countries underscores a larger global trend of nations striving for technological parity and interoperability. As these aspiring members integrate digital wallets, strengthen cybersecurity defenses, and grapple with the implications of emerging technologies like AI, they navigate not only technical challenges but also complex ethical and societal considerations.
