What a week it has been! From Nestlé announcing plans to lay off over 16,000 employees under its new CEO as part of automation efforts to reduce operational costs, to Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, delivering supercomputers to Elon Musk and Sam Altman. On that note, Sam Altman also confirmed that ChatGPT will soon allow erotica for verified adults. Let’s dive into some more exciting content on Digital Signal #9. Thank you for sticking around with us, and please help Digital grow by sharing it and recommending it to friends. Of course, we are happy to hear your thoughts. If you have comments or suggestions, just reply to the email directly.

Four EU candidate countries just took a big step toward deeper integration with Europe’s financial system. Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Moldova have officially joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the EU’s scheme that allows fast and cheap euro transfers across borders. Forty banks across the four countries were accepted into the system, which the European Commission says could save individuals and businesses up to €500 million. Joining SEPA means transactions that once took days and cost hefty fees can now be completed in minutes, often for free.

European leaders framed the move as a tangible sign of closer economic ties. Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Albania’s quick transformation at the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, noting how a transfer from Brussels to Tirana that used to take 3–4 days and cost €80 now happens instantly at no cost. Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić called it a clear step toward EU membership, alongside new flight connections and free roaming. In Moldova, President Maia Sandu and National Bank Governor Anca Dragu hailed the moment as a “historic milestone” for European integration.

For businesses, the benefits are immediate. Montenegrin exporters of wine or digital services can now receive payments from EU clients within hours and at minimal cost. Macedonian Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska pointed to the potential for big savings, better liquidity, and improved competitiveness in economies heavily reliant on cross-border trade. The EU also backed the move with fresh funding: €99.3 million for Albania, €18.3 million for Montenegro, and €25 million for North Macedonia under its 2024–2027 growth plan, rewarding reforms that bring these countries closer to EU standards.

SEPA treats cross-border euro payments the same as domestic ones, simplifying transactions within Europe. It currently includes all EU member states, along with several non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Monaco.

The European Commission has released a new round of funding under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, directing fresh support to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, but once again leaving Kosovo out.

This exclusion comes despite Kosovo meeting the technical requirements, as its ongoing institutional crisis prevents it from signing the necessary agreements with the EU. While its neighbors push ahead with economic integration, Kosovo’s political deadlock is keeping it on the sidelines of one of the region’s biggest financial initiatives. In this second disbursement round, Albania will receive €99.3 million, while North Macedonia and Montenegro will also benefit from new funds. The Growth Plan aims to double the region’s GDP over the next decade, rewarding countries that meet EU governance and reform standards.

Kosovo, however, can’t access the money because there’s no functioning government capable of ratifying agreements, a process that requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority. This stalemate persists even though the EU approved Kosovo’s reform agenda back in autumn 2024. Bosnia and Herzegovina also remains excluded, but Kosovo’s case is especially frustrating for Brussels, since the issue is political rather than technical.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called on Western Balkan leaders to take “urgent steps” to ensure their citizens benefit from EU investment. Unless Kosovo stabilizes its institutions and signs the cooperation framework soon, it risks losing access to the Growth Plan entirely, with unclaimed funds redirected to countries already moving forward with reforms.

The EU–Western Balkans Forum marks a key moment in advancing the region’s economic integration with the European Union. The forum is designed to attract foreign investment, encourage innovation, and accelerate economic cooperation, laying the groundwork for more sustainable growth across the Western Balkans. As part of the event, a number of letters of intent were exchanged, setting the stage for future cooperation agreements between governments, companies, and financial institutions with shared interests. Several major projects were highlighted.

These include the 4iG “Regional Digital Backbone” (EAGLE Project), which will strengthen digital infrastructure across the region; 3CIS’s plans to develop an AI data center in Kosovo; and Swiss Rockets Serbia’s investments in healthcare and biotech R&D. In the energy sector, CWP Europe is preparing new wind and solar projects in Albania and Montenegro, while Titan Cement Group is advancing waste-to-fuel and heat recovery initiatives in Albania. Serbia will also see the development of a large LFP battery factory by Live.

Financial cooperation was another focus, with EFSD+ working on new guarantees, including KfW’s SAFE program for entrepreneurs and the EBRD’s risk-sharing initiative for ESG projects. Altogether, these partnerships aim to tighten economic ties with the EU, drive strategic investment in key sectors, and push the Western Balkans toward a more integrated and sustainable economic future.

The EU has selected entities from 13 countries, including Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia, to host new AI Factory Antennas as part of its European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU). These antennas will act as local access points to powerful AI supercomputing hubs, enabling universities, startups, SMEs, and public institutions to tap into advanced computing resources. The initiative comes with an EU investment of €55 million, complemented by contributions from participating states.

In Moldova, the FAIMA antenna will connect to Poland’s PIAST AI Factory, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, and the public sector through the planned Moldova High Tech Park. North Macedonia’s VEZILKA project, led by Sts. Cyril and Methodius University, will link to Greece’s Pharos AI Factory to drive innovation in health, energy, culture, and digital public services. Meanwhile, Serbia’s SAIFA will integrate national HPC infrastructure with AI hubs in Greece and Italy, targeting culture, sustainability, healthcare, and agriculture.

These developments are part of a wider European strategy to strengthen AI capabilities across the continent. Alongside the antennas, EuroHPC JU is adding six new AI Factory sites in Czechia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain, bringing the total to 19 across 16 member states. Overall investments between 2021 and 2027 are expected to reach €10 billion, positioning Europe as a leader in AI supercomputing and innovation.

Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

Even seasoned investors are starting to question whether the venture capital model still makes sense. Sequoia Capital partner and former PayPal exec Roelof Botha recently shared a blunt assessment on two podcasts, arguing that there’s “too much money” in the industry and that venture investing has become “return-free risk.” He pointed out that VCs pour more than $150 billion into startups each year, but to justify those returns, the industry would need around 40 IPOs like Figma annually. In reality, there have only been about 20 billion-dollar exits per year over the past few decades.

Botha believes investors and founders are often chasing volume instead of focusing on truly exceptional companies. “There’s a lot more talent than really interesting ideas,” he said, warning that the abundance of capital is spreading talent too thin. This year’s venture landscape has been challenging, with far fewer IPOs than the 2021 boom. A few big AI deals and Figma’s IPO offered some bright spots, but they’re exceptions, not the rule. His comments echo a growing concern that the traditional VC model might not fit today’s market dynamics.

Interestingly, while venture returns are under pressure, AI continues to attract massive capital. Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Wedbush all published research this week arguing that the AI investment boom is sustainable, with Goldman estimating it could unlock up to $8 trillion in productivity gains. Capex spending from major tech players like Google and Microsoft is projected to hit $300 billion this year, and demand for Nvidia’s next-gen GPUs is reportedly 10 times higher than supply. It’s a sharp contrast: venture capital as a whole may be struggling to make the numbers work, but AI remains the clear exception, fueling what some analysts call the “fourth industrial revolution.”

Andrea Pestarino is a Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in mechanical and machine design, robotics, automation, and manufacturing processes. He is the Director of the Donors Financial Institutions Unit at RINA Consulting, where he focuses on energy and digital technologies.

He has worked with major international donors such as the World Bank and the European Commission, supporting the development of innovation strategies, IP management, and new projects in energy and technology. His experience spans strategic planning, technology intelligence, and sustainable engineering. Register here

SMEs interested in exploring downstream space data now have the opportunity to prepare for the FIERCE Financial Support Programme launching in January 2026. The programme offers tailored guidance to help businesses unlock the full potential of space-enabled innovation.

Through the FIERCE Advisory Services, participating SMEs receive support in defining the technical and business requirements of their solutions, identifying suitable external service providers for the funding programme, and building the internal capacity needed to bring their projects to life.

Interested companies can apply to the Open Call for the Advisory Services Support Program. The programme is designed to provide practical mentoring and strategic preparation, helping SMEs position themselves for funding and long-term growth.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva is raising the alarm about a growing global AI divide. Speaking at the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, she warned that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is leaving developing countries far behind. While wealthy nations like the US and China are racing ahead and capturing most of the economic upside, poorer countries are stuck at the starting line, held back by weak infrastructure and low levels of digital literacy. “We’re messing up where it matters most,” she said, pointing to the lack of proper regulation and ethical groundwork around AI.

IMF data shows that the AI revolution, expected to add $4 trillion to global GDP by 2030, is concentrated in a small number of advanced economies with deep pockets and strong digital foundations. Most developing nations lack the high-speed internet, reliable networks, and education systems needed to participate meaningfully in this shift. On top of that, there’s concern that overheated AI stock valuations could spark a financial shock reminiscent of the dot-com bubble, which would hit emerging economies hardest.

To help close the gap, the IMF has introduced an AI Readiness Index that assesses countries on infrastructure, skills, innovation, and regulatory frameworks. Early results show that most poorer nations are struggling to keep up, especially on governance and ethics. Georgieva’s message to global leaders is clear: invest in digital infrastructure and skills now, or risk being locked out of the AI-driven future. “Staying still is not an option,” she said. This next era of technology, she stressed, must lift all boats, not just the biggest yachts.

Get your brand in front of a fast-growing audience of founders, investors, innovators, and tech professionals across Southeast Europe. Signal by Digjitale connects the dots between local talent and global opportunities, and your message can be part of the story.

Ready to get noticed? Explore sponsorship opportunities and join the conversation shaping tomorrow’s tech. Send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected].