CA “Zašto ne” Leads the Berlin Process Thematic Working Group on Digital Transformation, AI and Digital Sovereignty

CA “Zašto ne” is leading the Thematic Working Group on Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Sovereignty within the framework of the Civil Society & Think Tank Forum (CSF) 2026 of the Berlin Process, with the Centre for Democratic Transition (CDT) from Montenegro serving as co-lead. In this role, we are coordinating the regional consultation process to develop joint policy recommendations.

Photo: Zašto ne

The Civil Society & Think Tank Forum (CSF) serves as its official civil society platform of the Berlin Process, bringing together civil society organisations and think tanks from across the region to jointly develop evidence-based policy recommendations and present them directly to the Heads of Government participating in the annual Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit.

This year’s CSF is organised around six thematic working groups, each tasked with developing regionally grounded, evidence-based policy recommendations in its respective thematic area. As lead organisation of the working group on Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Sovereignty, CA “Zašto ne” has been coordinating the group’s work and the drafting of its policy recommendations. As part of this process, three regional consultation meetings were organised with representatives of civil society, academia and independent experts from across the Western Balkans.

The recommendations focus on strengthening the region’s preparedness for the evolving European digital policy framework and advancing rights-based digital governance, responsible AI governance, stronger institutional capacities, regional cooperation and the meaningful participation of the Western Balkans in European digital governance mechanisms.

The recommendations will be finalised ahead of the Civil Society & Think Tank Forum, which will take place in Prishtina from 5 to 7 October 2026. The process will culminate at the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in Podgorica on 22 October 2026, where CSF rapporteurs will present the Forum’s recommendations directly to the Heads of Government.

The Civil Society & Think Tank Forum 2026 is organised by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, in partnership with the Government of Kosovo and in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro.