Western Balkans digital integration and Montenegro goals

The eighth Digital Summit of the Western Balkans, held in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, focused on regional digital transformation, cybersecurity, and connectivity to align the region with European Union standards. Organized by the Montenegrin Ministry of Public Administration and the Regional Cooperation Council, the summit addressed initiatives such as 5G infrastructure, the establishment of a Regional Center for Cyber Capacity, and the implementation of digital wallets and the eIDAS 2.0 framework.

Participants emphasized that while individual nations have made progress in national digital development, the focus must shift toward regional interoperability. Naim Gjokaj, State Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration, noted that digital transformation is about “improving institutional efficiency, increasing the accessibility of public services, and creating economic opportunities.”

Expanding on these objectives at the 2BS Forum in Budva, Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, stated that digitalization must prioritize citizen rights, security, and trust. Dukaj reported that the Ministry completed 100% of its planned digitalization activities the previous year, launching 57 new electronic services. A key upcoming objective is the implementation of a ‘Digital Wallet’ for the secure management of digital identities and documents.

Regarding cybersecurity, Dukaj noted improved preparedness compared to 2022, citing legislative alignment with the EU’s NIS2 directive and the establishment of the Cyber Security Agency and the Government Security Operations Center (G-SOC). Additionally, experts at the forum warned of rising hybrid threats and disinformation, with Gordan Akrap of the University of Defense and Security ‘Dr. Franjo Tuđman’ arguing that international cooperation is essential to protect democratic processes.