The digital sector of Visegrád Group’s countries – associated in the Digital V4 Group – appeals to their individual governments for a common stand in regard to expenses on digitisation in scope of the new EU’s 2021-2027 financial framework. In the opinion of digital and advanced technologies industry’s organisations signed under a common statement addressed towards prime ministers of Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia, the funds earmarked for digital economy should be increased from 3 to 10 percent.
Digital Visegrád Group appeals for a joint position of Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary regarding the EU’s digital budget
Digital V4 Group, composed of organisations and associations representing the digital and advanced technologies industry in the V4 Group’s countries: Poland (Digital Poland Association), Hungary (IVSZ), Czech Republic (ASE) and Slovakia (ITAS), emphasises that digital transformation is a key element of development and our common functioning in the world. The amount of financial resources earmarked for digitisation in a broad sense is in turn especially important for Central and Eastern European countries. „It will have a fundamental impact not only on the pace of developing innovation in our region and digitisation of our economies in comparison to the countries of „the old Union”, but also on the EU’s economy as a whole. It is the Central and Eastern Europe that nowadays is being chosen as a location for R&D centers, which generate innovative solution, job opportunities and more” – the position of digital industry of Digital V4 group’s countries states.
President of Digital Poland Association Michał Kanownik, signed under the appeal as the Polish party, accents that the way resources from the EU’s budget are allocated in scope of digitisation will determine the future of European advanced technologies industry and whether it stands a chance of competing against global markets. – Especially in the perspective of development of 5G network Europe faces a massive chance for growth. However, in order to make it happen, a great deal of determination on behalf of European and local politicians is required, as the regulation affecting the sector of advanced technologies depend on their will as well as the process of digitisation of the EU’s economy – says Michał Kanownik.
Position of Digital V4 is in line with the postulates of the European digital industry associated in Digital Europe, which appeals for an increase in the budget earmarked for digitisation to 10 percent and in the resources for research and development to 3 percent of EU’s GDP. – Digital enterprises grow two and a half times faster than traditional companies. However, only 3 percent of the European budget proposed is dedicated for digital transformation of our society. If we take the matters of digitisation seriously, it should be at least 10 percent. – explains Director General at Digital Europe Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl. She adds: – European Council will decide about the future of Europe. Expenses on digital technologies can secure our economic growth, well paid jobs and energetic efficiency.