The Western Balkans is preparing a joint artificial intelligence strategy while advancing plans for digital identity wallets, cheaper EU roaming and stronger cybersecurity. Regional leaders say the next challenge is no longer simply to digitalise individual economies, but to connect all six into a competitive digital market aligned with the European Union.
HERCEG NOVI, Montenegro, Oct. 14 — The six Western Balkan economies have agreed on priorities to accelerate digital integration, including a regional artificial intelligence roadmap, mutual recognition of digital identities and closer alignment with the European Union’s Digital Single Market, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) said.
The priorities emerged from the eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit, which concluded on Wednesday in the Montenegrin coastal town of Herceg Novi after two days of discussions involving government representatives, European institutions, international organisations and technology industry leaders.
The summit was organised by Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration in cooperation with the RCC, the European Union and other partners, as part of Montenegro’s 2026 chairmanship of the Berlin Process.
The discussions marked a shift in regional ambitions, from developing separate national digital systems towards building interoperable services that could function across borders.
Six economies, one AI roadmap
One of the summit’s central developments was the presentation of the AI Roadmap for the Western Balkans Six, developed by the RCC with regional partners.
The document establishes a common framework for responsible artificial intelligence development, governance, innovation and alignment with European standards.
It is expected to receive formal endorsement at the forthcoming Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit.
The roadmap aims to strengthen the region’s readiness to adopt AI technologies while improving cooperation among public institutions, businesses and research organisations.
For Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, a coordinated approach could help address common challenges, including limited investment, shortages of specialised skills and fragmented digital markets.
The roadmap’s implementation, however, will depend on national governments translating regional commitments into concrete policies and investments.
AI must deliver results, not just promises
Artificial intelligence dominated discussions at the summit, with participants examining its potential to improve public administration, economic productivity and business competitiveness.
Tanja Maraš, RCC Senior Expert on Digital Connectivity, said the region must focus on practical benefits rather than simply adopting new technologies.
“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,” Maraš said.
She emphasised regional cooperation, investment in digital skills and infrastructure, and responsible AI development.
The discussion brought together representatives of the European Commission, international organisations, academia and the technology sector.
Participants examined how AI could move from policy declarations to practical applications that improve services and support innovation.
Digital identity wallets and cheaper roaming
Beyond artificial intelligence, the summit identified several priorities designed to make digital services more accessible across the region.
These include:
* Mutual recognition of digital identities, allowing citizens and businesses to use digital identification services across borders.
* Digital Identity Wallets, enabling secure access to digital credentials and public services.
* More affordable roaming with the EU, reducing mobile communication costs between the Western Balkans and EU countries.
* Stronger cybersecurity cooperation, improving the region’s ability to respond to digital threats.
* Better digital connectivity, supporting businesses, institutions and citizens across all six economies.
These measures are intended to reduce administrative barriers and make cross-border economic activity easier.
However, the summit’s conclusions set priorities rather than announcing that these services are already operational across the region.
Cybersecurity becomes a regional priority
Cybersecurity was another major theme as governments and businesses face increasing exposure to cyberattacks, digital fraud and threats to critical infrastructure.
Participants highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation among regional institutions and closer alignment with EU cybersecurity standards.
The summit also addressed online child protection, digital literacy and the development of secure public services.
These issues are becoming increasingly important as more administrative procedures, financial transactions and business activities move online.
Connectivity as the foundation of integration
On the second day, RCC digital connectivity expert Milena Jocić Tanasković participated in a panel examining how digital infrastructure can accelerate regional transformation.
The discussion focused on connectivity as an essential condition for expanding digital services, improving competitiveness and strengthening cooperation among the six economies.
Digital infrastructure remains uneven across the Western Balkans, making coordinated investment and compatible systems important for regional integration.
The RCC said it would continue supporting implementation of the AI roadmap and regional coordination on digital services.
A digital path towards the European Union
The summit’s broader objective was to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU Digital Single Market.
For the six economies, this means gradually aligning national digital policies and technical standards with those used in the European Union.
Such alignment could facilitate cross-border services, strengthen business competitiveness and improve access to European digital markets.
The Berlin Process provides an important political framework for these efforts by encouraging cooperation among Western Balkan governments and their European partners.
But regional declarations will need to be followed by practical implementation, including compatible digital systems, stronger institutions and investment in infrastructure.
The summit’s central message was that the next stage of digital transformation must deliver measurable improvements for citizens and businesses.
For a region of six relatively small and fragmented economies, the challenge is increasingly clear: digital transformation will have greater economic value if national systems can work together across borders.