Digital technologies can help keep our societies and economies going in the most difficult of circumstances. We have experienced this first-hand during the COVID-19 pandemic and are experiencing it again during the war in Ukraine.

Digital infrastructure and services, notably connectivity, have become a crucial lifeline for the Ukrainian state and its citizens. People in Ukraine rely on digital solutions like VPN clients to access reliable information. Displaced Ukrainians make use of free international calls and roaming between the EU and Ukraine to keep in touch with their loved ones.

As the war rages on, equipment is being destroyed and services are being disrupted. Businesses are forced to cease operations. Students are forced to abandon their studies. Ukraine is calling for more support to maintain and develop digital solutions for the continued functioning of their economy and society.

How can we help ensure connectivity and maintain and leverage Ukraine’s digital potential for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Ukrainian people?

This is the central question of EUTech4Ukraine - a platform to mobilize European actors around efforts to help maintain and develop digital infrastructures, capacities and skills for and with the Ukrainian people. It is open to associations, NGOs, companies, local authorities and citizens involved in or is pursuing an idea to support digital infrastructure projects, harness digital solutions to rebuild Ukrainian businesses, help displaced Ukrainian refugees, develop cybersecurity solutions for Ukrainian organisations, and leverage digital solutions to maintain key services and boost digital skills, humanitarian aid, etc.

Your actions are making a difference. Sharing them can inspire others and help even more people. 

Background: Europe’s Digital Decade builds on strong international digital partnerships in the area of digital skills, infrastructures, businesses and public services. Until 2030, the EU seeks to establish a coalition of like-minded partners from government, civil society, the private sector, and academia who work to promote a level playing field in digital markets, a secure cyberspace and fundamental rights online. This  will result in greater opportunities for European companies, increased digital trade via secure networks, respect of European standards and values, and a more supportive environment internationally for the kind of human-centric digital transformation we and other partners want to see.