Western Balkans Digital Summit adopts WB Artificial Intelligence Roadmap until 2030

The 2026 Western Balkans Digital Summit in Herceg Novi reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to the responsible use of artificial intelligence, modernisation of public services and strengthening of digital security.

The Western Balkans Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, setting out a vision until 2030, was presented and adopted at the 2026 Western Balkans Digital Summit, sponsored by Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration, under the auspices of the Government of Montenegro and in partnership with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

This document establishes a common regional framework for the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence, defining a set of cross-sectoral measures aimed at advancing the region’s shared digital transformation.

Implementation of the Roadmap is expected to contribute to improving the quality of public services, simplifying administrative procedures and enhancing the efficiency of public institutions, while simultaneously fostering innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of the economy. Particular importance is attached to creating conditions for the wider adoption of new technologies by small and medium-sized enterprises, while consistently safeguarding privacy, citizens’ rights and data security.

The Regional Cooperation Council will support the implementation of the Roadmap, including the preparation of a regional artificial intelligence readiness assessment and an action plan for its implementation. The next steps will focus on strengthening professional and institutional capacities, enhancing regional cooperation, and gradually aligning regulatory frameworks with European Union standards and regulations.

In addition to artificial intelligence, the Summit participants discussed other key areas of regional digital transformation, including digital identity and mutual recognition of digital identities, improvement of electronic communications, strengthening of cybersecurity and the digitalisation of services at the local level.

Particular emphasis was placed on the implementation of the “once-only” principle, which means that citizens and businesses should not be required to resubmit information that is already held by public institutions. Its implementation can help reduce the administrative burden, enable people to exercise their rights more quickly and make public services more accessible and efficient.

Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj noted that, following the 8th Western Balkans Digital Summit in Herceg Novi, the region is one step closer to connecting its six economies within a single, barrier-free digital space.

Montenegro is willing to be an active partner in this process and to contribute to the further alignment of the region’s digital frameworks with European Union standards, thereby accelerating our shared progress towards the European Union,”Minister Dukaj stated.

The Conclusions of the 2026 Western Balkans Digital Summit provide a more detailed overview of the region’s shared priorities, planned activities and next steps in the digital transformation process.