The European Movement in Albania (EMA), in cooperation with the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP), organized a roundtable discussion focused on “Digital Services in Albania within the Context of the Negotiation Process – DSA Governance, Fundamental Rights, and Institutional Coordination, in the framework of the National Convention on European Integration.
The event brought together representatives from public institutions, civil society organizations, local and international experts, and other stakeholders to discuss the process of aligning Albanian legislation with the Digital Services Act (DSA)—one of the European Union’s most important instruments for regulating digital services.
Mr. Gentian Sala, the Chairman of AKEP, highlighted the importance of this process within the framework of Albania’s EU accession negotiations.
“The country is making progress in aligning its legislation with the European Union *acquis* in the field of digital transformation. As the internet and online platforms have become an integral part of daily life, they bring both significant development opportunities and challenges related to illegal content, consumer protection, the safety of minors, and platform transparency,” Mr. Sala stated. In this context, the Head of AKEP emphasized that the Digital Services Act (DSA) sets a new European standard for the operation of online platforms and user protection, while its implementation requires close cooperation among public institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the academic community.
In this context, the Head of AKEP emphasized that the Digital Services Act (DSA) sets a new European standard for the operation of online platforms and user protection, while its implementation requires close cooperation among public institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the academic community.
Mr. Sala also highlighted that the appointment of a Digital Services Coordinator, as envisaged by the DSA, will strengthen inter-institutional coordination and ensure the implementation of European standards in Albania, thereby contributing to the creation of a safer, more transparent, and more trustworthy digital environment for citizens and businesses.
The roundtable addressed issues related to the process of transposing the DSA into Albanian legislation, AKEP’s role in implementing the new regulatory framework, the institutional and technical challenges accompanying this process, and the need for inter-institutional cooperation to ensure a digital environment that is safe, transparent, and aligned with European Union standards.
The event also featured out the presentation on the experience of European Union countries regarding DSA implementation, focusing on the role of the National Digital Services Coordinator, the responsibilities of public authorities, and best practices for ensuring effective governance of digital services.