The 'Digital Inclusion Initiative' (DII) is a regional EU-funded project that strengthens the role of civil society in digital advocacy and policymaking across the Western Balkans. It promotes equitable access to digital tools and information, aiming to reduce the digital divide and foster participatory democracy. Aligned with the EU Economic and Investment Plan 2021-2027, GAP III, and the Youth Action Plan, DII advances digital literacy, builds digital skills, and supports inclusive digital policies, particularly for marginalised groups.

The project operates through five work packages:
- Policy Analysis and Research – conducting research and producing analytical reports on digital inclusion.
- Engagement, Advocacy, and Communication – building alliances, organising policy forums, and implementing a communication strategy to amplify project messages.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Enhancement – delivering regional training and promoting exchange of best practices.
- Targeted Local Empowerment – developing local interventions, mentorship, and impact assessments.
- Project Management – ensuring coordination, monitoring, and compliance.

DII builds a more inclusive digital future by empowering civil society, influencing public policy, and strengthening digital participation across the region.

Overall Objective: To enhance the role of CSOs from the Western Balkans in fostering participatory democracies and the EU approximation process by strengthening their capacities for policy development and advocacy in digital inclusion.

Specific Objective: To advance digital inclusion for marginalised groups in five IPA beneficiary countries, by building and leveraging national and regional partnerships that actively engage in policy advocacy, facilitate constructive dialogue with government entities, and implement targeted, measurable pilot interventions at a local level to raise awareness and foster inclusive digital policies.

• Comprehensive policy analysis and research reports detailing challenges and critical success factors for digital inclusion at national and regional levels.
• Enhanced awareness among policymakers regarding the impact of digital inclusion on marginalised groups.
• Capacity building and empowerment of local grassroots organisations for effective advocacy and project design in digital inclusion.
• Successful implementation and impact assessment of local-level digital inclusion interventions.