Last week, the COST Association – European Cooperation in Science and Technology Action RELINK² network gathered at the Faculty of Political and Legal Sciences, Universiteti “Aleksandër Moisiu”, in Durrës, Albania (7–8 May 2026) for a workshop on a question central to our research agenda:
“Citizens, Political Organisations and Digital Technologies in the Western Balkans: Disconnection or Democratic Reconnection?”
Over two days, academics, researchers, policymakers, civil society actors and institutional representatives discussed the evolving relationship between democracy and digital transformation in the region, with sessions covering:
- E-government and digital inclusion
- Democratic risks and digital technologies
- Political actors and digital transformation
- Digital citizenry and governance
Warm thanks to Morena Boja and Ersida Teliti for the excellent local organisation, to Michal Jacunski for his continued support and for encouraging collaboration across the network, and to Oscar Barberà Aresté Barberà for his thoughtful comments and feedback.
The Western Balkans offer a particularly rich vantage point for thinking through the link between democratic life and digital technologies, and these conversations will keep shaping RELINK²’s work in the months ahead (stay tuned! publications are coming!).
Jasmin Fitzpatrick Gabriela Borz Michal Malý Giulia Sandri, PhD
