The project implemented by Zasto ne, focuses on enhancing the reach and impact of the EU digital regulatory and co-regulatory framework—particularly the Digital Services Act and the Code of Practice against Disinformation. Through targeted networking and advocacy initiatives, it works to promote information integrity, media credibility, and the protection of human rights in Western Balkan countries.

ABOUT THE PROJECT
The overall goal of the project is to contribute to the improved digital environment and strengthened information integrity in the Western Balkans region.

It builds upon the work undertaken during the preparation for the Civil Society Forum of the Western Balkans organized in 2023 in Tirana as part of the Berlin Process Summit, more specifically the Key Recommendations of the Thematic Working Group on Digitalization and Connectivity.

The project’s main objectives include:

• increasing the level of support for the effective, appropriate and timely alignment with the relevant EU digital regulation in the region;
• expanding the large online platforms’ commitments in priority intervention areas;
• gathering the support and interest of relevant regional organizations and initiatives for the advocacy activities;
• raising the issue on the EU level through consultations and partnering with relevant EU-based organizations and initiatives.

The project is funded by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, as part of its Ignita initiative which fosters multi-sectoral collaboration between civil society organizations, with the aim to advance regional cooperation and EU integration and advocate for Western Balkans’ interests in Brussels and across the region.

LOCAL IMPACT
Through ensuring support at the EU-level on key alignment principles and priority interventions that uphold the rule of law and protect media freedom and fundamental rights, the project activities and outcomes will support overall efforts of regional civil society organizations from the Western Balkan countries to ensure effective alignment and subsequent implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in their respective countries.

REGIONAL IMPACT
By fostering regional rather than country-specific approach to DSA alignment, and in particular by advocating for non-legislative efforts that would ensure the expanded reach of EU digital policy and large online platforms’ commitments on the entire region, the project will impact the quality of information integrity and protection of fundamental rights of citizens in the entire Western Balkans region, as well as the European integration process in general.