This study is the first in a series of publications investigating the risks and opportunities for Western Balkans businesses in the fast developing international field of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. It provides a broad overview of the business and human rights regulatory landscape – on an international, national, and Western Balkans regional level – and presents the business case for better compliance with human rights and environmental standards of corporate actors. It aims to broach this important subject with governments, businesses, and civil society in the Western Balkans region, in light of the pressing need to engage with international sustainable business standards. Greater awareness and engagement will be essential to increase trade, reduce unemployment, and enable participation in the global and EU economies.
