The Digital Assembly 2018 starts today in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event is co-organised by the European Commission and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Digital Assembly is a major annual forum that brings together more than 1,000 stakeholders and high-level policymakers to discuss EU digital policies and the implications of recent technological developments. This year's edition comes at a crucial time as the European Council has called for the full implementation of the Digital Single Market strategy by 2018. At the same time the Commission proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework is being discussed by Member States and the European Parliament. Part of the future long-term budget of the EU will be used to bridge digital investment gaps between Member States and tackle challenges in key areas of the digital economy. A large number of EU citizens and businesses are expected to benefit from such process.

For more information: 

• Agenda of the Digital Assembly 2018 in Sofia, Bulgaria (Website of the European Commission, accessed 25.06.2018)
• Digital Single Market Strategy (Actions of the European Commission) 
• Multiannual Financial Framework (European Commission Press Release Database)