Western Balkans DESI Dashboard is launched 

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has published the Western Balkans Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) Dashboard, the first interactive online platform that tracks the region’s progress in digital transformation. 

The Dashboard provides insight into key indicators, including digital skills, digital infrastructure, digitalisation of business, and digitalisation of public services in the region. 

DESI draws on official data from national statistical offices, regulators, and ministries across the Western Balkans, complemented by targeted research where data gaps existed. This approach enables benchmarking against EU standards, providing a clear picture of both strengths and areas that require policy attention. 

Highlights  

• Internet access 

By 2023, nearly 90% of households across the region had internet access, approaching the EU average of 93%. More than 85% of individuals use the internet weekly, but quality and speed still trail behind EU levels.  

• Digital skills 

Only 30-35% of individuals in the Western Balkans have at least basic digital skills, compared to 56% in the EU. Montenegro and Kosovo outperform the regional average, while Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina lag behind.  

• Digital public services 

The digitalisation of public services reached around 48% in 2023, still far from the EU’s 80%. Serbia leads the way, nearing 60%, while Albania and North Macedonia continue to scale up their efforts. Progress indicates that administrative processes are becoming digital, but service integration and cross-border interoperability are a significant challenge.  

• E-Government users 

In Albania, around 79% of internet users interact with public authorities online, surpassing the EU average. In Serbia and Montenegro, figures remain below 25%.  

• Mobile friendliness 

Public services across the Western Balkans are becoming increasingly mobile-friendly, scoring 85% (in 2023), nearly on par with those in the EU (95%).  

Find out more at https://desi.rcc.int/indicators  

The new tool, funded by the EU, is part of RCC’s broader efforts to foster digital integration across the Western Balkans and ensure the region keeps pace with the European Union.