Discussion Forum – Between Reforms and Reality: Freedom of Expression, Media, and Public Transparency, 18 February 2026

The discussion forum, organized by the European Movement in Albania (EMA) on 18 February 2026, under the moderation of journalist Syrjan Rahova, focused on topics mainly related to Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, including freedom of expression, media, the right to information and transparency of public institutions, consumer protection, and online safety, drawing on selected articles in the online magazine EuroSpeak.

During her opening speech, Nirvana Deliu, Project Director at the European Movement in Albania (EMA), emphasized the importance of understanding the European integration process as well as critical thinking within the ongoing reforms. In this context, the frequent open calls for articles in the EuroSpeak magazine always focus on the latest developments of the process in Albania, but also in the EU, aiming to create a space for debate and reflection on the challenges and priorities of reforms. Through analyses and opinions, the magazine contributes to increasing public awareness and promoting a culture of constructive dialogue on European issues. Deliu also emphasized the importance of engaging young people and young professionals in this process, encouraging them to contribute with a critical approach to current developments. In this way, EuroSpeak aims to serve not only as an information platform but also as an empowerment tool for those who want to be an active part of the country’s European journey.

Sami Nezaj, Executive Director, Center for Transparency and Free Information, author of the article “A Censored Media Among Free People – The Albanian Absurdity”, addressed freedom of expression in Albania as a paradox between the public and the media, where the latter faces different forms of censorship and self-censorship. He argued that although citizens theoretically enjoy the freedom to express their opinions, the media space is often influenced by narrow political and economic interests that limit editorial independence. Nezaj explained that this distinction is linked to a series of structural factors, such as the intertwining of political and economic interests, concentration of media ownership in few hands, lack of financial transparency, pressures and intimidation against journalists, and insecure working conditions in newsrooms. According to him, these elements create a climate that undermines professionalism and media autonomy, making it more sensitive to external influences. He stressed the importance of monetizing online media content (as 80% of content is not monetized) as a key factor for ensuring financial sustainability, improving reporting quality, and fostering innovation. He concluded that building new business models, investing in technology, and developing professional capacities are essential to adapt to new digital formats and changes in audience behavior. Nezaj emphasized that improving the situation requires sustainable and balanced cooperation between the state and the media, supported by respect for independence, increased transparency, and the creation of a legal environment that guarantees freedom of expression and fair competition in the media market.

Inva Hasanaliaj, Journalist & Communication and Media Studies Researcher, author of the article “Freedom of Expression and Media, the True Test of European Integration for Albania”, focused on debates regarding the criminal protection of journalists and the decriminalization of defamation. She highlighted that although some positive formal steps have been taken within the framework of approximation with EU standards, the reality on the ground remains challenging. According to Hasanaliaj, political pressures, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), lack of accountability for threats and attacks against journalists, procedural delays, “dark financing” of media, and obstacles to access public information continue to undermine the free and independent exercise of the profession. She argued that these phenomena create an insecure climate that directly affects reporting quality and the media’s watchdog role in a democratic society. Another important element she addressed was copyright, which must be clearly and effectively protected by law, especially in the digital era and with rapid reproduction of content. Protecting this right is essential not only for professional integrity but also for the economic sustainability of the media. Hasanaliaj concluded that these issues divert journalists from their core mission of informing and monitoring, and often negatively affect their psychological well-being.

Ina Allkanjari, Journalist & Researcher, author of the article “Transparency in Albania: The Challenge of the Right to Information”, emphasized the fundamental importance of the right to information as a pillar of functional democracy and public accountability. She pointed out the ongoing challenges journalists face in accessing information from state and public institutions. According to Allkanjari, legal exceptions, such as personal data protection or state secrecy, are often misused to avoid transparency, hiding public contracts, concession agreements, and high-interest decision-making processes. Meanwhile, proactive transparency from institutions often remains at a formal level, without reflecting a genuine willingness to provide complete and understandable information to citizens. She argued that the right to information, even without the need for the requester to provide justification, is clearly regulated by law and should be implemented in practice without obstacles. However, in reality, bureaucratic procedures, delays, and unjustified refusals turn this process into a “tiring battle” for journalists, causing the requested information to lose relevance and timeliness. Allkanjari also noted that continuous intervention from the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection is often required to ensure access to official documents and materials, highlighting gaps in direct law enforcement by institutions. She concluded that effective guarantees of the right to information remain an important test for strengthening transparency in the country according to European standards.

Eranda Zorba, Lecturer, Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences, Fan S. Noli University, author of the article “EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans: Political-Economic Costs and Benefits in Light of European Integration Theories”, analyzed the political-economic costs and benefits from the perspective of European integration theories, arguing that opposition to enlargement stems more from the domestic political calculations of member states than from real financial costs. Zorba emphasized that the benefits of enlargement are multiple, including economic stabilization, trade growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting regional cooperation. She argued that implementing integration policies and utilizing EU funds require strong administrative capacities and consolidated institutions to ensure that EU investments and support translate into concrete results for citizens. Within this framework, the main challenges remain not only at the political level but also at the technical and administrative level, requiring continuous training, standardization of procedures, and transparency in fund management. Zorba concluded that the success of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is measured not only by economic benefits but also by the aspirant countries’ ability to build functional institutions, implement EU-standard laws and policies, and ensure that citizens feel tangible benefits from integration.

Erjonilda Hasrama, Lecturer, Department of Marketing, Aleksandër Moisiu University Durrës, author of the article “More Information, but Less Trust: Online Safety and Consumer Rights in the Digital Age”, discussed the quality of information today, describing it as somewhat unreliable, causing consumer insecurity and hesitation toward e-commerce. She highlighted that information overload, personalized advertising, and manipulative practices often shift consumers from informed actors toward algorithmically guided users. Hasrama concluded that continuous education and information for consumers, alongside improved legal regulations, are essential to empower them and build a sustainable and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

During the discussions, several key challenges were highlighted, including the protection of copyright as essential for guaranteeing editorial independence and promoting creativity in Albanian media. The lack of sustainable monetization in major media networks makes the sector dependent on the domestic advertising market, often influenced by political and economic interests, increasing the risk of self-censorship and reducing the quality of informative content. The discussion also focused on challenges in accessing public information and complaint processes with the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection, as well as on food safety, emphasizing the need for proper citizen information about standards that guarantee food quality.