Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Albanian Media Council on Tuesday unveiled a series of recommendations aimed at protecting journalists in Albania, citing a decline in press freedom and growing pressures on Albanian media.
Albania ranks 99th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, the lowest in the Balkans, with watchdogs pointing to economic pressures, self-censorship, and interference in editorial decisions.
The proposals, revealed during an online press conference, include strengthening laws to shield journalists from abusive lawsuits, known as SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), and improving safeguards for the confidentiality of media sources. A national action plan for journalists’ safety, aligned with European standards, was also recommended.
“The EU accession process is a chance for Albania to bolster press freedom and support independent journalism,” RSF’s EU and Balkans head, Pavol Szalai, said.
The roadmap also calls for financial incentives, such as tax breaks and interest-free loans, to support struggling media outlets. Greater editorial independence for Albania’s public broadcaster, RTSH, was urged, along with measures to protect newsroom autonomy from shareholder influence.
Koloreto Cukali, head of the Albanian Media Council, noted growing concerns over media trust amid rising authoritarianism. “Financial independence is essential for media to serve the public interest,” he said.
Journalists in Albania have reported facing frequent physical and verbal threats, as well as economic pressures, which increase uncertainty and stifle independent reporting. Media ownership is concentrated in the hands of a small number of powerful groups with close political and business ties, further undermining editorial freedom.
RSF and the council said their proposals aim to foster a pluralistic and transparent media environment as Albania continues its path toward EU membership.
