Municipalities in the Western Balkans can now apply for the WiFi4WB (Wi-Fi for Western Balkans) initiative, which will provide free public Wi-Fi hotspots to up to 500 municipalities across the region, the European Union announced.
Wi-Fi access points will be installed in public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, museums, and schools, offering free internet access for residents and visitors. Participating municipalities will receive full support, including the supply and installation of Wi-Fi equipment, internet service, and maintenance. In return, they must commit to sustaining the service beyond the initial funding period.
The initiative is open to municipalities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Applications must be submitted by a mayor, a municipal official, or a council member.
WiFi4WB is part of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aiming to drive regional integration through digital transformation. Funded by the EU and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the project is modeled after WiFi4EU, which provided free Wi-Fi in nearly 9,000 municipalities across Europe.
The deadline for applications is April 28, 2025. More details are available at wifi4wb.eu.
