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Digital Policy

Advancing Western Balkans alignment with EU digital policy framework

Year: 2025/2026

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.

This project expands upon the results of the “Advocacy for the implementation of the new digital EU regulation in the WB6 region” project implemented in 2024/2025.

The project’s main objectives include:

  • advancing formal integration of DSA and DMA alignment into enlargement criteria and negotiation frameworks;
  • increasing region-wide commitment to a harmonized framework for digital governance and platform accountability, as well as a more streamlined expression of the region’s shared priorities and needs in the digital governance sphere;
  • increasing engagement of the European Commission in facilitating alignment and building the capacities of regional stakeholders to introduce and implement platform accountability legislation based on EU standards, and the inclusion of countries from the region in initiatives that contribute to these goals, such as the European Democracy Shield;
  • strengthening partnerships and deepening cooperation with EU civil society organizations.

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 EU-level support 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 digital policies in their respective countries.

Regional impact

By fostering stronger regional harmonization and closer cooperation with the EU institutions, the project could help prevent fragmented approaches to regulation of digital services, and contribute to building the foundation for accountable, human-rights-based digital policies in the whole region.