Kapetanović at Western Balkans Digital Summit: Our next challenge is not to digitalise six economies, but to connect them
13 October 2026
RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanovic speaking at the Western Balkan Digital Summit on 13 October 2026 in Herceg Novi (Photo: RCC/Danilo Papic)
Western Balkans Six Ministry representatives and RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanovic at the Western Balkans Digital Summit on 13 October 20326 in Herceg Novi (Photo: RCC/Danilo Papic)
Eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit opens in Herceg Novi, bringing together regional governments, EU representatives and digital industry leaders to advance digital integration and connectivity
Herceg Novi, 13 October 2026 – The eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit officially opened today in Herceg Novi, bringing together government representatives from the Western Balkans Six, European Union (EU) institutions, international organisations, telecommunications operators and digital industry experts to advance regional digital transformation, strengthen connectivity and accelerate integration with the EU Digital Single Market.
The Summit is organised by Montenegro's Ministry of Public Administration, under the auspices of the Government of Montenegro, in partnership with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and the European Union, and in cooperation with different regional and international organisations, and other partners.
The Summit was officially opened by Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, followed by opening remarks from RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, Bernard Brunet from the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Thomas Jarzombek from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, Pranvera Kastrati, Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, and Zoran Milovanović, Executive Director of m:tel.
Addressing participants, RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović stressed that the region’s digital transformation must go beyond developing individual systems and focus on making them work together.
“Our next challenge is not simply to digitalise six economies. It is to connect them,” said Kapetanović.
Pointing to the abolition of roaming charges within the Western Balkans as one of the most tangible achievements of regional cooperation, Kapetanović emphasised that the same approach should now guide progress on digital public services, interoperable digital identities, telecommunications infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
He underlined that digital cooperation is an essential part of the Common Regional Market and the region’s preparation for closer integration with the EU Single Market, stressing the need to translate political commitments into practical benefits for citizens and businesses.
“Let us leave Herceg Novi with a clearer sense of responsibility for what comes next: what each of us will deliver, with whom, and by when,” Kapetanović concluded.
In his ministerial keynote, Dukaj highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in building modern, secure and accessible digital public services.
“Digital transformation is not only about introducing new technologies. It is about changing the way our institutions work and making public services simpler, faster and more accessible to citizens and businesses. Hosting this Summit during Montenegro’s Chairmanship of the Berlin Process is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across the Western Balkans, exchange practical solutions and accelerate our shared progress towards European digital standards,” said Dukaj.
The opening session was followed by the Western Balkans Six Ministerial Panel, moderated by Danijela Gačević, Head of Programme Department at the Regional Cooperation Council, focusing on regional digital transformation, cooperation and closer alignment with European digital standards.
Over the remainder of the Summit, on 13 and 14 October, participants will engage in a series of thematic discussions focusing on digital identity and wallets, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills and the future of work, as well as the digitalisation of local government and public services.
The programme will also explore digital connectivity, the European Commission’s AI tools supporting EU accession, online protection of children, and opportunities for startups and innovation. Dedicated bilateral and business-to-business meetings will provide additional opportunities for partnerships and practical cooperation among regional and European stakeholders.
Building on the achievements of previous editions, the eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit aims to strengthen a common regional digital agenda, improve the interoperability of digital services and accelerate the Western Balkans Six convergence with the European Union.