Representatives from RATEL participated in the 23rd Regional ITU-EKIP Forum, held on September 28 and 29 in Budva. Titled "From Global Principles to Regional Practice – Shaping Digital Markets That Deliver Results," the forum brought together representatives from regulatory bodies, government institutions and international organizations across several European countries. The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences and discussions regarding regulatory responses to the rapid development of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, 5G networks, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

At the opening ceremony, participants were addressed by representatives of the hosts, the Government of Montenegro, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and NRAs from various countries.

In her welcoming remarks to the participants and organizers, Ana Skočić, Head of the Cabinet at RATEL, emphasized that the role of a modern regulator is no longer merely to keep pace with technological changes – rather, it is essential to understand them and leverage the opportunities new technologies have to offer, while simultaneously creating a regulatory environment that fosters development and investment, and safeguarding user trust and interests.

During the two-day forum, RATEL representatives Marija Lukić and Katarina Mandić from the Department for Regulation of Relevant Markets and Roaming Services presented, from both legal and technical perspectives, the role of physical infrastructure access (PIA) in developing very high-capacity networks and fostering competition, as well as various regulatory options. Meanwhile, a second presentation by Milica Bosnić-Marković, Head of the Consumer Protection Department, outlined a model for more efficient resolution of user complaints with the support of artificial intelligence.

On the first day, the forum hosted a meeting of representatives from regional regulatory bodies responsible for consumer protection to exchange experiences on current topics. This discussion continued on the second day during a panel featuring active participation from RATEL’s representative Gordana Pavlović (Consumer Protection Department).

At the initiative of the RCC, a meeting with Western Balkans regulators was organized on the second day of the forum to discuss the process of introducing "Roam Like at Home" arrangements with the European Union, as well as the potential alignment of the existing Regional Roaming Agreement with current EU regulations.

This year’s gathering holds special significance for EKIP, as it takes place during the year the Agency marks its 25th anniversary. Furthermore, this is the 23rd edition of the Regional Regulatory Forum, an event that has, over more than two decades, become a meeting point for regulators and experts from the region and Europe.