The Western Balkan partners have reaffirmed their commitment to closer digital integration and cooperation, with new priorities ranging from digital identity and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and connectivity.
Meeting at the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2026 in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, representatives from across the region joined EU institutions, businesses, experts and other stakeholders to discuss the next steps in the Western Balkans’ digital transformation.
Held on 14 October under Montenegro’s Berlin Process Presidency, the eighth edition of the Summit focused on moving from individual digital transformation efforts towards a more connected regional digital space, increasingly aligned with the European Union.
Connecting the region through digital services
One of the priorities highlighted at the Summit was making digital services work more easily across borders.
The Western Balkan partners reaffirmed their commitment to advancing interoperable digital public services, including work towards the mutual recognition of electronic identification and the development of Digital Identity Wallets.
These efforts can make it easier for citizens and businesses to access services across the region and contribute to the Western Balkans’ gradual alignment with the EU Digital Single Market.
Connectivity also remained high on the agenda. Building on the success of the regional “Roam Like at Home” regime, participants discussed further steps towards reducing roaming costs between the Western Balkans and the EU.
A regional approach to artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence was another important focus of this year’s Summit.
The Western Balkan partners welcomed a regional AI Roadmap, providing a shared direction for the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence across the region.
The roadmap aims to support closer cooperation on AI while strengthening innovation, digital skills and alignment with European standards.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and digital resilience as economies and public services become increasingly connected. Regional cooperation in these areas can help strengthen trust in digital services and support a safer digital environment for citizens and businesses.
Moving closer to Europe’s digital future
The Summit forms part of wider efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and bring the Western Balkans closer to the European Union.
Digital transformation is also an important element of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to accelerate economic convergence and provide the region with some of the benefits of EU membership ahead of accession.
Regional initiatives in areas such as digital payments, electronic identification, connectivity and access to the EU Single Market can therefore translate the integration process into more tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
The Digital Summit was held within the framework of the Berlin Process, which continues to support regional cooperation and the Western Balkans’ European integration.
As the region moves from digital ambition towards implementation, the focus will increasingly be on turning these shared priorities into connected services and practical solutions that work across borders — and bring the Western Balkan partners closer to the EU’s digital space.
