Albania’s Interior Minister, Ervin Hoxha, has raised concerns about the increasing number of Albanian-language websites tied to Russian disinformation campaigns. Speaking at a recent parliamentary hearing, Hoxha noted that while these websites continue to gain attention, their reach and impact remain limited.
The government is focused on tackling foreign interference, especially from portals spreading false information aimed at influencing public opinion. “These Russian-backed portals are still operating in Albania, spreading content meant to affect our democratic processes,” said Hoxha.
The Albanian authorities are also addressing gaps in their legal framework that make it hard to regulate these platforms. Erion Braçe, chairman of the parliamentary committee against disinformation, called for stronger laws to deal with this growing problem. “There is no legal structure to handle Albanian-language portals with Russian origins, and this is a major issue,” Braçe explained.
Earlier this year, Albania’s communications authority shut down 155 Russian domains for promoting pro-Kremlin views related to the war in Ukraine. Minister Hoxha emphasized that as a NATO member, Albania is focused on defending against hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, which could threaten the country’s democratic stability.
Hoxha also pointed out that many of these disinformation campaigns are carried out by foreign state-backed actors, aiming to create instability in the region. “Russia’s propaganda, while not coming directly from Moscow, is spread through its satellites and often in Serbian to influence public opinion,” he said.
Domestic disinformation also remains a problem, with unregulated content spreading through informal channels. Braçe warned that without legal reform, the situation could worsen ahead of Albania’s upcoming elections. “This legal gap needs to be addressed before next year’s elections, or we risk further manipulation,” he said.
Albania has also faced an increase in cyberattacks on its critical information infrastructure. In 2023-2024, these attacks exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign actors.
With growing concerns about both foreign and internal disinformation, Albania is prioritizing stronger defense measures to protect its democratic processes. Minister Hoxha concluded that NATO membership is key to helping the country respond to these threats and safeguard its democracy.
