The Western Balkans region, which includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, is undergoing significant changes as it modernizes public institutions and embraces digital technologies. These reforms are supporting steady economic growth and job creation in the area. With European Union accession on the horizon, governments are accelerating efforts to update their public sectors.
Albania has made notable advances in digital transformation. The country’s “E-Albania” portal now provides more than 95% of government services online. Between 2023 and 2025, requests through the portal increased by 40%. An updated version of the portal will further improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
In education, Albania has installed 216 Education Smart Labs in primary schools since 2023 to help students develop digital skills. Youth Innovation Centers have also been established to prepare young people for roles in the digital economy. Additionally, Albania’s Open Data Portal now meets international standards and a Government Gateway platform allows seamless data sharing among agencies.
Montenegro is preparing to introduce e-Wallet and eIDAS2 systems that align with EU regulations on digital identity. Kosovo has expanded its eKosova platform so parents can register newborns, obtain birth certificates, and access pediatric or insurance services online. Kosovo aims to digitize half of its public services by 2027 and all key services by 2030.
Some achievements highlighted include:
- Over 95% of Albania’s government services are available online.
- Service requests via E-Albania rose by 40% over two years.
- Albanian schools received 216 Education Smart Labs.
- Kosovo’s eKosova platform now covers major life events with goals for full service digitalization by 2030.
However, the Western Balkans still lag behind EU averages in governance indicators such as accountability, regulatory quality, political stability, rule of law, government effectiveness, and corruption control. Addressing these challenges requires continued reforms using public-sector innovation and digital tools.
Plans focus on making business operations easier through regulation modernization and service automation; delivering more inclusive public services for vulnerable groups; empowering local governments to support economic development; and improving management of public finances for better transparency.
The World Bank is supporting these reforms through programs like Albania’s GovTech initiative. Serbia is also enhancing public financial management for environmental goals. A new regional program funded by Austria will help speed up digital government adoption across borders while supporting key reforms related to EU accession.
Workshops involving peers from the EU will share knowledge about digital services and justice systems while benchmarking progress against EU criteria. This support aims to help countries prepare for membership.
“Sustained progress toward EU accession and quality job creation depends on continued investment in strong institutions and digital innovation,” a World Bank statement said. “The World Bank is proud to partner with the Western Balkans as it builds on its achievements and advances inclusive growth and opportunity.”