Online focus group for implementation of the Digital Agenda in the Western Balkans in the Republic of North Macedonia

Within the research related to the implementation of the Digital Agenda in the Western Balkans in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans, as part of the project Increasing Civic Engagement in the Digital Agenda – ICEDA which is co-financed by the European Union and implemented in 6 countries (North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania and Estonia), the Metamorphosis Foundation organized an online focus group with representatives from institutions and the civil society sector.

The focus group was held on 12 June 2020, and was attended by representatives of the Macedonian E-Commerce Association, the Association of the Units of Local Self-Government of the Republic of North Macedonia – ZELS, Internet Hotline Provider Macedonia, the Foundation Open Society -Macedonia and the Ministry of Information Society and Administration.

The aim of the focus group was to increase mutual understanding on how the Digital Agenda is reflected in administrative reforms and how the civil society sector could play a significant and more effective role in shaping and implementing the Digital Agenda in the country. The discussion focused on the current state of the implementation of the Digital Agenda in the country, the connection of the Digital Agenda with the current administrative reforms, the challenges and prospects for civic participation in the Digital Agenda and the recommendations for stakeholders for better implementation of the Digital Agenda in the country.