Western Balkans Six launch structured regional dialogue on Artificial Intelligence
18 May 2026
First meeting of the Working group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Podgorica on 13 and 14 May 2026 (Photo: curtsy of UNDP)
Artificial intelligence (AI) policy leads from the Western Balkans Six at the meeting of the Working group on AI in Podgorica on 13 and 14 May 2026 (Photo: curtsy of UNDP)
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), co-hosted the first Working Group Meeting on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Podgorica, bringing together AI policy leads from the Western Balkans Six for a structured exchange of shared priorities, challenges and approaches to responsible and sustainable AI adoption. The meeting comes as the region advances implementation of the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan 2025–2028 and aligns its digital transformation efforts with the evolving European approach to AI, including the EU AI Act, the Apply AI Strategy and the AI Continent Action Plan.
The meeting was opened by Tanja Maraš, Expert on Digital Connectivity at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Silke Hollander, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Giada Trucco, Policy Officer at DG ENEST, European Commission. Opening the discussion, they underlined the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring that AI development across the region is people-centred, trustworthy, inclusive and aligned with EU rules and standards.
“The Western Balkans cannot afford to approach artificial intelligence in isolation. Through the regional AI dialogue and the preparation of the AI Roadmap, we continue supporting Western Balkans Six in moving from strategic ambition to coordinated practical action and building the regulatory, institutional and policy foundations needed for responsible and effective AI adoption across the region,” said Tanja Maraš, Expert on Digital Connectivity at the Regional Cooperation Council during the opening.
Participants shared first-hand insights into AI adoption in their economies, helping identify common challenges, emerging priorities and areas for regional action. The discussion will feed into the development of the regional AI policy roadmap envisaged under the CRM Action Plan 2025–2028.
By bringing together AI policy leads from across the region, the meeting helped strengthen the basis for continued cooperation on AI policy development, implementation and alignment with EU standards. The discussion also reflected UNDP’s Regional Programme for Europe and the CIS 2026–2029, which recognises digital and AI transformation as a cross-cutting accelerator and the Common Regional Market as a strategic platform for regional cooperation.