“Annual Report 2025: Tracking Albania’s Progress on Media Freedom and Journalistic Safety in Line with European Union Standards,” assesses institutional reforms, legal developments and the working conditions of journalists in the context of Albania’s EU accession process.
It finds that while some procedural steps were taken to strengthen safeguards for media freedom and freedom of expression, many structural challenges affecting the media environment remain.
According to the report, journalists in Albania continue to face pressure, intimidation and limited access to information. Survey findings included in the study show that a significant number of journalists reported experiencing threats or intimidation related to their work. Many said they did not feel fully free to report without fear of consequences or political pressure.
The report also highlights the challenges faced by journalists during the 2025 parliamentary elections, which served as a practical test of media independence. Many journalists covering the campaign reported difficulties in accessing information and described increased political pressure during the electoral period, raising concerns about the impact of election dynamics on editorial independence.
The report also draws attention to persistent issues affecting women journalists, including gender-based harassment and professional pressures that may influence editorial decision-making.
While acknowledging several regulatory developments – including steps towards improving transparency in media ownership and discussions on aligning national legislation with EU frameworks such as the European Media Freedom Act – the report concludes that stronger implementation and institutional accountability are needed to ensure effective protection of journalists and a more independent media environment.
The report forms part of broader efforts to monitor Albania’s progress on media freedom and journalists’ safety and to support reforms aligned with European standards.
It was produced within the framework of the project “Strengthening Media Freedom, Professionalism, and Journalists’ Safety in Albania,” implemented by BIRN Albania in partnership with SCiDEV and Qendra Faktoje, with financial support from the European Union.
For an English copy of the report click here.
For an Albanian copy of the report click here.