Eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit concludes in Herceg Novi, highlighting regional cooperation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and closer integration with the EU Digital Single Market

Herceg Novi, 14 October 2026 – The eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit concluded today in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, after two days of discussions bringing together representatives of the Western Balkans Six, European Union (EU) institutions, international organisations and digital industry leaders to advance regional digital transformation and integration with the EU Digital Single Market.

The Summit was organised by Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration, under the auspices of the Government of Montenegro, in partnership with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the European Union and other regional and international partners, as part of Montenegro’s 2026 Chairmanship of the Berlin Process.

The Summit welcomed the AI Roadmap for the Western Balkans Six, developed by the RCC together with regional partners, which sets a common direction for responsible AI development and adoption. The Roadmap, expected to be endorsed at the forthcoming Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit, provides a framework for strengthening regional AI readiness, governance, innovation and alignment with European standards.

Artificial intelligence was among the central topics of the Summit, with a dedicated panel titled “AI & Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Perspectives”, moderated by Tanja Maraš, RCC Senior Expert on Digital Connectivity. Bringing together representatives of the European Commission, international organisations, academia and the technology sector, the discussion explored how the region can move from AI ambitions to practical applications, stronger innovation and economic competitiveness.

“The challenge is not simply to adopt AI, but to ensure that it delivers real value for our economies, public institutions, businesses and citizens, while building trust and ensuring that no part of the region is left behind,” said Maraš, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, investment in skills and infrastructure, and responsible AI development.

The Summit concluded with a set of priorities for accelerating regional digital integration, including mutual recognition of digital identities, implementation of Digital Identity Wallets, more affordable roaming with the EU, stronger cybersecurity cooperation and improved digital connectivity. The conclusions also envisaged further RCC support for implementing the AI Roadmap and strengthening regional coordination on digital services, alongside continued efforts to align the region’s digital frameworks with EU standards.

Throughout the two days, discussions also addressed digital public services, cybersecurity, digital skills, connectivity, online protection of children, startups and innovation, with particular attention to practical solutions that can improve everyday life for citizens and businesses.

On the Summit’s second day, Milena Jocić Tanasković, RCC Expert on Digital Connectivity, contributed to the panel “Connectivity as an Enabler of the Western Balkans’ Digital Transformation”, focusing on the role of digital infrastructure and regional cooperation in advancing the region’s digital transformation.

The Summit reaffirmed the importance of working together to build a more connected, competitive and digitally resilient Western Balkans, with the focus now shifting from shared ambitions to practical results.

More info on the Summit
Opening of the Summit news
SG’s speech
Conclusions