Legal and Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Digital Governance in Albania: a Human Rights Approach to SDG 16 Compliance

Theoretical Framework: Albania’s digital transformation is advancing rapidly, yet legal and policy challenges persist in ensuring compliance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This paper examines the legal frameworks governing Albania’s digital governance model, focusing on e-governance, cybersecurity, AI regulation, and digital inclusion. It explores constitutional and administrative law reforms designed to align national policies with European Union (EU) standards, analyzing data protection laws, judicial rulings, and international legal obligations. Methods: By assessing Albania’s legal compliance with SDGs, the study identifies gaps in digital rights protection, regulatory inconsistencies, and emerging risks from AI-driven decision-making. Through the aplication of the qualitative method, our paper compares Albania’s digital governance laws with EU standards, It highlights the legal implications of Albania’s EU accession process, particularly regarding public administration digitalization, data sovereignty, and cybersecurity policies. Results and Discussion: The findings underscore the need for a robust human rights-based legal framework to ensure sustainable digital governance. The paper proposes policy recommendations for Albania to enhance regulatory clarity, judicial oversight, and international cooperation in advancing a sustainable, legally compliant digital economy. These recommendations emphasize harmonization with EU regulations, fostering a transparent and rights-respecting digital infrastructure aligned with SDGs.