The Single Digital Gateway in the Western Balkans

Digital transformation, a key EU priority, offers opportunities for regional integration and collaboration on modernising public services and supporting citizens on key life events, particularly on those involving cross-border mobility. The EU Single Digital Gateway Regulation (SDGR) serves as a crucial framework to streamline services and promote cross-border co-operation. It comprises various legal requirements and standards, grouped into eight categories, addressing aspects such as the quality of information, online service provision, user interface standards, and user feedback mechanisms. While EU Member States are mandated to comply with these standards, non-EU economies must align their practices to facilitate future integration. This comparative study evaluates the readiness of the six Western Balkan economies to meet SDGR standards, identifying challenges, best practices, and recommendations. The findings will inform policymakers on themes such as enhancing digitalisation efforts, fostering closer alignment with EU standards, and advancing EU accession prospects for Western Balkan economies.