Artificial Intelligence in the Western Balkans Is Expanding, but Still Lacks a Full Legal Framework

According to a new analysis, public administrations in the Western Balkans are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools, although this development is still not supported by a full legal framework to regulate it.

Radio Free Europe writes that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia, there are no specific laws governing the use of chatbots and other AI systems. In most cases, there is also a lack of internal rules, as well as clear documentation on how these technologies are being used, even though their spread is already real and widespread.

The region is at different levels of alignment with European Union standards, which has adopted the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the world’s first comprehensive law for this sector. The act provides for the prohibition of certain forms of use and sets strict rules on safety, transparency and data protection.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, some institutions allow the limited use of AI only for technical tasks, but prohibit the entry of personal or classified data into public platforms.

In Kosovo, official use remains limited for now, but several digital solutions are being tested and work is under way to harmonize with EU rules. Meanwhile, Montenegro and Serbia appear more advanced in the practical implementation of AI in public services, including chatbots in the tax administration and on government portals, while at the same time preparing new legal frameworks.

Experts point out that the lack of rules increases the risk of misuse of personal data and breaches of information security.

According to them, AI can help speed up work, but final responsibility always remains with the human using it.