Uneven paths to circularity: How fragile institutions and social divides shape consumer power in the Western Balkans
Abstract
This paper conducts a structured literature review on how governance quality, inequality, and consumer empowerment influence the circular economy (CE) transition in the Western Balkans. Despite increasing policy focus, the region faces persistent institutional weaknesses, socio-economic disparities, and limited consumer trust, which undermine the feasibility of CE reforms. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 1,214 records were screened and 142 studies (2000-2025) were synthesized across academic and institutional sources. Three main insights emerge. First, governance capacity, especially enforcement, market surveillance, and institutional coordination, largely determines whether CE legislation is translated into practice. Although alignment with European Union norms has progressed, implementation remains uneven and resource constrained. Second, inequality restricts participation: income barriers, rural-urban divides, energy poverty, and informational deficits often prevent households from engaging in repair, reuse, or sustainable consumption. Third, consumer empowerment remains limited; positive environmental attitudes rarely translate into behavior due to affordability challenges, low institutional trust, weak consumer-rights enforcement, and scarce repair or information services. Overall, CE transitions in the region are tightly shaped by institutional and socio-economic realities. Effective pathways require stronger governance, reduced inequalities, and enhanced consumer capabilities, while future research should prioritize causal evidence, equity-oriented assessments, and micro-level behavioral insights.