This multidisciplinary study analyzes the transformative regulatory framework introduced by the European Union through the Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), and Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA). These acts signify a major shift towards systemic regulation of the digital ecosystem, establishing a normative and enforcement foundation for the European Digital Single Market. For Western Balkan countries aspiring to EU membership, this regulatory evolution is crucial, as their existing legal frameworks are outdated and inadequate to address complex digital challenges. The study aims to unpack the normative structures of these acts and assess the alignment of national legislations in the region with these new EU regulations.

The research identifies 72 pivotal rules that reshape the regulation of digital services, markets, and AI, categorized by their contributions to the core values of the DSA, DMA, and AIA. Accountability, market democratization, and harm prevention are highlighted as central values across these acts. Additionally, a comprehensive institutional framework is mapped, detailing the roles of various EU and national institutions involved in enforcement. Despite some corresponding rules found through assessment of current regulations in Western Balkan countries, there is a significant lag in aligning with EU standards, primarily due to reliance on outdated regulations that fail to provide a cohesive systemic approach. This analysis underscores the urgent need for these countries to modernize their legal frameworks to effectively integrate into the evolving EU digital landscape.