Montenegro hosts regional forum to boost Western Balkans' creative industries

A ministerial discussion on the creative economy was held in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, under the Berlin Process and with the British Council. Ministers from Kosovo, Serbia and Greece attended.

Kosovo's culture minister said the sector now employs about 10% of the workforce and its economic contribution has more than doubled in five years, with digital services up 70 %. She highlighted festivals’ high return on investment, noting that the Sunny Hill festival employed over 900 young people in 2024.

Montenegro's Tamara Vujović reported that the country's Directorate for Creative Industries has supported 210 projects worth over €1.6 million since 2018, with the budget rising from €50 000 to €400 000. Women lead 24 projects valued at €224 000. A new policy draft for 2026‑2030 and the "Created in Montenegro" brand are being prepared.

Serbia’s Lav Grigorije Pajkić noted that more than 155 000 people work in the creative sector, with film and gaming driving broader economic benefits, and pointed to EXPO 2027 in Belgrade as a showcase. Greece’s cultural secretary stressed the sector’s growing economic role and the need for better data and planning.