20 May 2026
Western Balkans on the Edge of Digital Transition: Regional Coordination and EU integration pathways
Country Western Balkans
Date 6 October 2025
Author Maida Ćulahović and Darko Brkan
Publisher CA “Zašto ne”
The Western Balkans’ digital landscape stands at a turning point as global and regional trends challenge online governance and platform accountability. Since the EU adopted the Digital Services Act (DSA), civil society has led advocacy and research to highlight regional needs, yet progress toward transparent and rights-based digital governance remains uneven. Weak institutional commitment, limited administrative capacity, and the lack of a regional alignment strategy hinder reform. Meanwhile, global deterioration of the online environment threatens human rights and information integrity. Sustainable progress requires national frameworks that clarify responsibilities and align with EU standards, as well as stronger regional coordination to prevent fragmentation and amplify collective influence. The EU can bolster these efforts by integrating digital policy alignment into enlargement processes and supporting civil society and research, enabling the region to build a unified, rights-respecting digital future.
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