Implementation and challenges of multi‑level governance in the Western Balkans

This paper examines the institutional and legal foundations for multi-level governance (MLG) in the Western Balkans. While administrations have made tangible progress in establishing MLG and have largely aligned their frameworks with European principles, strengthening the role of local governments in democratic governance and public service delivery, implementation often lags behind ambition. Fiscal decentralisation remains limited, consultation practices are uneven, and inter-municipal co-operation is still underdeveloped. Drawing on SIGMA’s 2024 assessment in the Western Balkans, this paper highlights both advances and persistent challenges in MLG. Through EU and OECD benchmarking, it identifies concrete good practices to improve local governance - promoting institutionalised dialogue, coherent policy co-ordination, and shared accountability between central and local governments. By presenting a nuanced picture of progress and gaps, the paper aims to support policymakers in translating formal alignment into effective, trusted, and responsive local governance.