Round Table: The Future of the Adult Industry in the Balkans

Introduction: Why is this conversation necessary?

The adult industry in the Balkans operates in a complex environment, full of legal gray areas, social taboos, and economic pressures. The purpose of this round table is to open a structured dialogue among key stakeholders – creators, organizers, legal experts, and civil society representatives – to address pressing challenges and seek sustainable solutions.

Program Points

1. **Restricting Access to Free Pornography for Minors:** A discussion on technical and legal mechanisms to prevent access for persons under 18. Should pornography, similar to alcohol and tobacco, become an exclusively paid service to reduce the risks of addiction and misunderstanding of sexuality?

2. **Entry into the Adult Industry at Age 21+:** An analysis of the proposal to raise the age limit for entering more difficult forms of sex work. What is the role of the state in providing alternative economic opportunities for young people to prevent premature and risky career decisions?

3. **Establishment of a Collective Organization for Creators:** An initiative to establish an association modeled on SAZAS to protect the rights of adult content creators from threats like AI models. How to establish a register or digital certificate to verify the authenticity of human models and ensure fair compensation for their work?

Proposals for Expanding the Discussion

• **Digital Safety and Data Protection:** How to protect the data of workers and clients in an era of digital surveillance (e.g., 'Chat Control') and data leaks?

• **Financial Inclusion:** Addressing the problem of bank account closures and finding alternative, safe financial channels for workers in the industry.

• **Mental Health and Support Systems:** Establishing professional psychological support for workers to cope with burnout, stigma, and other pressures.

• **Cross-Border Cooperation and Standards:** How to harmonize rules and safety standards among Balkan countries given the high mobility of workers and clients?