Balgarianovinite.com From virtual advisers and assistants to an AI-powered minister and ombudsman, cutting-edge technologies are increasingly being integrated into public administration at both the national and local levels, as well as into public services across the Balkans. While some countries in the region are only beginning to explore the use of artificial intelligence to serve citizens, others have already taken bold steps into the new AI era.
Bulgaria, too, has shown a willingness to experiment with new technologies at the government level. Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Ivan Vasilev recently announced plans to establish an advisory council of robots at his Ministry, with the humanoid Robert becoming its first member. Vasilev noted that the council would not replace people but would serve as a platform for forward-looking discussions on the future of robotics, their potential applications in public administration and everyday life, and ways to accelerate Bulgaria’s development.
Following are some of the most striking examples of AI being integrated into public administration across the Balkans.
In September 2025, Albania became the first country in the world to appoint an AI-powered minister – Diella (derived from the Albanian word diell, meaning “sun”) – who is responsible for public procurement. Diella had her own Facebook page and even addressed Albania’s parliament to introduce herself to lawmakers.
Diella, however, sparked mixed reactions. The opposition accused the government of violating the constitution, while satirical posts circulated online claiming that Diella had been arrested for corruption, accompanied by an AI-generated “mugshot” showing police officers carrying away a computer monitor displaying her image.
The Diella project also triggered a wider debate among opposition politicians and experts over accountability and transparency. Critics questioned whether a virtual minister could effectively oversee public procurement and reduce corruption, as Prime Minister Edi Rama had promised, according to Politico.
Albanian actress Anila Bisha, whose likeness and voice were used to create Diella, filed a lawsuit against the prime minister, the Albanian Council of Ministers and other parties involved. She argues that the consent she gave covered only the creation of an AI chatbot – not an AI minister – and that her image was used beyond the period originally agreed. She has asked the administrative court to immediately suspend the use of her likeness until the case is resolved.
Following Diella, the Albanian government unveiled another AI-powered virtual assistant in early June 2026 – Ylli (from the Albanian word yll, meaning “star”) – designed to support the country’s farmers. Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, said Ylli represents an important step towards the long-term modernization of the agricultural sector through technology and artificial intelligence.
Through the platform, where Ylli acts as a virtual adviser, farmers gain easier access to information and services related to their day-to-day activities, including applying for government support schemes, using fertilisers and pesticides, irrigation, and other farming practices. The platform also provides up-to-date market prices for agricultural products, helping farmers make better-informed decisions about production and marketing.
Romania is at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation. Often referred to as “the Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe” thanks to its highly skilled tech sector, Romania ranks first in Europe and sixth globally in terms of the number of IT specialists. Global companies such as Amazon, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Oracle have long maintained operations in the country.
Back in 2023, Romania introduced its own virtual ombudsman. Named Ion, he is the world’s first AI-powered government adviser. Appearing as a full-length interactive mirror, Ion speaks in a deep, calm voice while blue text scrolls across the reflective screen. Developed pro bono by independent Romanian researchers, his primary role is to monitor social media and provide the government with real-time insights into citizens’ concerns and expectations. Volunteers help synthesise and analyse the data, enabling policymakers to gain a clearer understanding of public sentiment and make better-informed policy decisions.
In February this year, Timisoara became the first municipality in Romania to launch an AI-powered virtual assistant for citizens. The assistant operates around the clock and can communicate in almost every foreign language, according to the city’s official website. The chatbot, which cost RON 200,000 (around EUR 40,000), allows residents to book appointments for identity card renewals, submit applications and even file complaints. Named Timi, the assistant was designed as an evolving system that will be continuously improved through the addition and updating of official information. More than 1,000 people tested the service within hours of its launch.
Earlier this month, Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest introduced its first AI-based system, which calculates the exact time passengers’ baggage will arrive on the reclaim belt in the arrivals area. The information generated by the system is displayed directly on the baggage claim monitors.
Romania is also expected to open its first artificial intelligence factory next year.
Serbia has been steadily expanding the use of artificial intelligence and robotics across the public sector as it seeks to establish itself as a regional technology leader. The country is developing a national AI platform and investing in supercomputing capacity for applications in areas such as sustainable energy, transport and healthcare, as well as creating a centre of excellence to strengthen its scientific and technological capabilities.
The Serbian government has adopted a new AI development strategy for the 2025–2030 period and, in recent years, has established dedicated mechanisms to coordinate state policy in the field.
Moreover, in cooperation with China, Serbia is on track to become the first European country to manufacture humanoid robots. During a visit to China last month, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that production is expected to begin within two months.
Humanoid robots are already being used in inclusive education in the country, where they assist in teaching children with developmental delays.
Two robots, Milutin and Dragutin, have been announced as participants in Saturday’s pro-government rally in Belgrade. Ahead of the event, a humanoid robot also appeared in a video encouraging people to attend the gathering.
The Republic of North Macedonia has established a dedicated ministry tasked with leading the country’s digital transformation, with the goal of building “a technologically advanced, inclusive society free from corruption.” The country is participating in the European Union’s Digital Europe programme, which focuses on deploying generative artificial intelligence in public administrations to create smarter public services. North Macedonia is also preparing its first law regulating the use of AI in state institutions to prevent the misuse of citizens’ personal data, as well as a National Strategy (2025–2030) setting standards for the ethical and secure use of algorithms in the public sector.
The introduction of artificial intelligence into North Macedonia’s public administration aims to fully automate bureaucratic processes and minimize the human factor. Authorities are working on integrating a virtual assistant into the government’s open data portal, enabling citizens to find information, forms and administrative decisions more easily, without having to wait at public service counters. The government portal uslugi.gov.mk is designed to transform the way citizens interact with public institutions through the introduction of digital identity cards and official documents accessible directly from mobile phones.
Earlier this week, North Macedonia officially launched its first National Artificial Intelligence Centre, Vezilka (meaning “embroidery”), which will develop AI-based solutions including language models, digitization of cultural heritage, healthcare data analysis, energy system optimization and the automation of administrative services. The project, financed with European Union support, is expected to be completed within three years.
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