WG for Chapter 24 – Cooperation Police–Media: Freedom of Speech and Public Security in the Process of European Integration, 10 June 2026
The Chapter 24 Roundtable – Justice, Freedom and Security, organized in cooperation with the State Police within the framework of the National Convention on European Integration on 10 June 2026, focused on cooperation between the State Police and the media, an area where human rights standards intersect with the requirements of public security, public order, and the protection of journalists. Participants included representatives from civil society, the media, academia, and public administration.
In his opening remarks, Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of EMA, emphasized the importance of this discussion in the context of Albania’s progress in the EU accession process. He stated that the roundtable aimed to present various practices and experiences of interest for analysis and improvement, while also creating a space for open discussion on key issues and regulatory developments taking place in Albania in this field. He also highlighted the significance of these roundtables as platforms for interinstitutional cooperation, stressing that continuous dialogue among public institutions, the media, and civil society actors is essential for ensuring the rights and safety of journalists in the exercise of their profession.
Gentian Mullai, Coordinator for Public Information at the State Police, described such meetings as valuable opportunities for exchanging ideas, building new platforms for cooperation, and strengthening institutional capacities. He emphasized that in a democratic society, the media and the police constitute two important pillars of the rule of law, and that their relationship should be built on partnership, trust, and accountability. According to him, for the State Police, journalists are not merely reporters of events but a public asset and a bridge between institutions and citizens, playing a key role in strengthening democracy and transparency.
As the contact point for journalists’ safety, he presented several measures undertaken to strengthen police–media cooperation and guarantee journalists’ security. Among these, he mentioned the adoption of the Guidelines on the Safety of Journalists, which include clear mechanisms for cooperation with the media community and organizations defending freedom of expression; the institutionalization of communication channels for reporting incidents; and the continuation of training for police officers focused on protecting journalists’ rights and ensuring their safety during assemblies, protests, and public events. These topics have also been incorporated into the curricula of the Security Academy and the operational structures of the State Police. According to him, the increase in the number of cases reported to the police should be seen as an indicator of growing trust in existing mechanisms rather than necessarily as an increase in incidents. Journalists today feel more secure in reporting cases that affect their safety or professional activities, which suggests that the measures undertaken are yielding results. Nevertheless, he stressed that further work remains to be done and that the State Police will continue strengthening communication with the media, improving response mechanisms, and investing in professional capacity-building. In conclusion, he underlined that public security and freedom of expression are values that reinforce one another, and that the safer journalists are, the stronger the democratic system becomes.
Miranda Boshnjaku, from the Directorate for Planning and Administration of Police Training, then presented the steps undertaken by the State Police to strengthen the institutional and operational framework supporting journalists’ safety. She explained that, in addition to the legal and regulatory framework, the State Police operates on the basis of a wide range of standard procedures, guidelines, and internal instruments necessary for an institution with nationwide territorial coverage and both central and local competencies. Considering the media an important instrument for freedom of expression and the protection of human rights, she stressed that the State Police serves every journalist with the same professionalism as any other citizen. One of the concrete measures undertaken was the drafting and adoption of the Guidelines on the Safety of Journalists. For this purpose, a working group was established on 21 November 2024, which collaborated for approximately one and a half years with media organizations, civil society, and experts supported by the Council of Europe. Representatives of public institutions, media organizations, and other stakeholders participated in the process. She noted that the guidelines were adopted on 21 May 2025 by order of the Director General of the State Police and are intended to improve the institutional response to attacks or incidents affecting journalists’ safety, ensuring prompt legal and professional action, support for journalists and their employers, and increased public awareness of the importance of the media’s role. The guidelines include elements such as responsible structures and units, police investigations, protective measures, victim support, interinstitutional coordination, monitoring, and reporting.
Particular attention was devoted to complaint mechanisms for journalists, addressing concerns previously raised regarding lack of trust or reluctance to report incidents. In this context, journalists may submit their concerns through electronic platforms, official communication channels, and the designated contact point within the State Police. Boshnjaku also stressed that efforts do not stop with the drafting of the guidelines. The State Police continues to provide regular training on the protection of journalists and the integration of this topic into mandatory professional development programs. The in-service training programme for 2025–2026 includes dedicated modules on police–media relations, interinstitutional cooperation, and journalists’ safety, delivered across all levels of police structures. In addition to training, she highlighted the existence of regular professional evaluation and testing mechanisms for police officers, aimed at ensuring not only participation in training but also the effective acquisition of knowledge and professional standards.
Pauline Adès-Mével, journalist, trainer, and expert on journalists’ safety, former editor-in-chief and spokesperson for Reporters Without Borders, presented European standards and practices in this field. She emphasized that institutions have an obligation to ensure preventive measures, effective coordination, and continuous training regarding journalists’ safety. She further discussed the protection of journalists in the context of public order in Albania and analyzed how the institutional progress achieved so far can be translated into effective protection in practice. At a time when the European integration process places increasing emphasis on the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the democratic functioning of institutions, journalists’ safety is considered an important indicator of the quality of democracy and institutional credibility. She stressed that guaranteeing a safe environment for journalists, particularly when covering protests, public events, or politically sensitive situations, is directly linked to the protection of the public interest and citizens’ right to be informed.
Developments in recent years in Albania demonstrate concrete efforts to align national practices with European standards and to create clearer mechanisms for preventing and addressing incidents affecting journalists. However, current challenges lie in the practical implementation of the legal framework. Despite institutional progress, available data show that journalists continue to face obstacles and insecurity in carrying out their professional duties. During 2025, 42 violations against journalists were recorded; a significant proportion involved threats and intimidation, while many others encountered restrictions during field reporting. Furthermore, limited awareness of existing protection mechanisms and a lack of institutional trust make it even more difficult to effectively use the instruments that have been established. In this context, Adès-Mével raised several practical questions that remain open, including the proper identification of journalists during the management of public events; whether communication structures and liaison officers between the police and the media are fully functional; whether incidents are investigated swiftly and transparently; and whether specific risks faced by women journalists are adequately taken into consideration.
To guide further improvements in Albania, Pauline referred to European standards and good practices from other countries. An important reference is Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4 of the Council of Europe, which underlines that journalists should not be treated as participants in protests or as factors disrupting public order while carrying out their professional duties. European standards emphasize the importance of prevention, institutional coordination, communication, and continuous training. In this regard, Pauline provided concrete examples from European countries that have developed effective protection models. Germany has invested in specialized safety training for journalists reporting on high-risk events. Sweden has developed a dialogue-based model, emphasizing communication before, during, and after demonstrations. The Netherlands established PersVeilig, a comprehensive partnership bringing together journalists, the police, and the prosecution service to support reporting, follow-up on cases, and provide assistance to journalists facing threats. France, Croatia, and Ireland have also designated liaison officers, reporting mechanisms, and structured communication channels between authorities and the media. These examples demonstrate that effective protection depends on the actual functioning of mechanisms on the ground.
During the discussion, participants highlighted the need for a clear distinction between the roles of the police and journalists during protests, as well as stronger mutual information-sharing and coordination with the media in order to guarantee reporting that is both free and safe in the field. Participants also discussed incidents occurring during protests, such as damage to journalists’ professional equipment and interference with live broadcasts, emphasizing the importance of clarifying whether such cases are treated as administrative or criminal matters. These issues are directly linked to the police’s capacity to protect journalists and strengthen their safety while carrying out their work in the field.
*This WG session for Chapter 24 took place within the framework of the “Building Partnership on Fundamentals: Empowered CSOs in the EU accession process” project, with the financial support of the European Union – IPA Civil Society Facility 2021, which is implemented by the European Movement in Albania and in cooperation with the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AIEN), Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA) and the Center for Transparency and Freedom of Information (CTFI).
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Working Group for Chapter 23 – This discussion roundtable for Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, organized by EMA in cooperation with the School of Magistrates, was dedicated to the protection of journalists and the role of justice institutions in ensuring a free and safe environment for the practice of journalism, with a particular focus on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Held on 5 June 2026 within the framework of the National Convention on European Integration, the roundtable brought together representatives of civil society, the media, academia, public administration, and other relevant stakeholders. In his opening remarks, Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania (EMA), emphasized the importance of addressing the phenomenon of SLAPP lawsuits in the context of Albania’s EU accession process. He underlined that the absence of a specific legal framework for protection against such lawsuits makes discussions of this kind essential, as they can contribute to the future drafting of relevant legislation. Gjipali noted that the involvement of civil society should be considered fundamental not only during public consultation processes but also in the policy and legislative drafting stages. Given the substantial volume of legal harmonization that Albania must undertake as part of the European integration process, the participation of civil society actors remains particularly important, especially following the inclusion of a dedicated law on protection against SLAPP lawsuits in the Rule of Law Roadmap and the fulfilment of the interim benchmarks for Chapter 23. Flutura Kusari, expert at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom and member of the EU Expert Group on SLAPPs, presented the concept of SLAPP lawsuits, explaining the distinction between such lawsuits and legitimate legal proceedings. She stressed that SLAPP lawsuits are intended to suppress public participation and exert pressure on journalists, activists, and other actors engaged in matters of public interest. Kusari highlighted that these lawsuits negatively affect a range of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, media freedom, and effective access to justice. During her presentation, she explained the developments that led to the creation of the European anti-SLAPP framework, from the reactions following the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia to the drafting of the current European instruments. Kusari discussed the key European instruments in this field, including the recommendations of the Council of Europe, the European Commission Recommendation, and Directive (EU) 2024/1069. She paid particular attention to the indicators that help identify SLAPP lawsuits. She explained that these lawsuits are often characterized by a clear imbalance of power between the claimant and the defendant, with the claimant using financial or political advantages to exert pressure. Among the main indicators, she mentioned partially or entirely unfounded claims, disproportionate requests for damages, abuse of legal procedures, and the use of tactics designed to increase costs and prolong court proceedings. She also stressed that SLAPP lawsuits are frequently accompanied by reputation-management campaigns and public attacks aimed at discrediting journalists and activists, creating a climate of intimidation that extends beyond the courtroom. Kusari further outlined the different types of SLAPP lawsuits recognized by European instruments, including domestic lawsuits, cross-border lawsuits, multiple or coordinated lawsuits, and those targeting anonymous participation in public debate. She explained that the Council of Europe Recommendation covers all stages of legal action, including initial threats of litigation, whereas the EU Directive focuses on civil proceedings with a cross-border element. She placed particular emphasis on the early dismissal mechanism, noting that European instruments provide courts and defendants with the possibility to request the termination or dismissal of proceedings where there are clear indications that a case constitutes an abusive lawsuit against public participation. Analyzing the safeguards provided by European instruments, Kusari explained that they include requiring claimants to provide security for procedural costs, enabling defendants to recover full legal expenses, compensating material and non-material damages caused by SLAPP lawsuits, and imposing effective, proportionate, and dissuasive sanctions on claimants who abuse the judicial system. She also highlighted the importance of legal, financial, and psychological support for victims of such lawsuits, as well as the need to establish transparency mechanisms, including the publication of court decisions and the collection of data on SLAPP cases. In conclusion, she assessed that these European standards provide an important basis for strengthening the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom in the Western Balkans, where domestic SLAPP cases represent the greatest challenge. Aida Bushati, Full-Time Lecturer at the School of Magistrates, focused on the importance of strengthening the capacities of magistrates in dealing with issues related to media freedom and the protection of journalists. She noted that while the School already provides training, recent years have seen a significant increase in the need to expand training in this area in line with Council of Europe recommendations. These include issues such as SLAPP lawsuits as a means of restricting the work of journalists and activists, as well as broader protection mechanisms. In this context, topics such as the right to be forgotten, lawsuits against journalists, the protection of information sources, and the way courts communicate with the media are also addressed. Bushati emphasized that these are issues receiving increasing public and media attention, making the interaction between the judiciary and the media a complex and sensitive matter. She stressed that the phenomenon of SLAPP lawsuits should be addressed comprehensively, taking into account challenges related to online platforms and the digital space. For these reasons, a dedicated conference is being organized for the current generation of magistrate students to address the issue in all its dimensions, from the protection of fundamental rights to criminal and administrative matters, as well as related procedural aspects. Bushati pointed out that judges and prosecutors are becoming increasingly familiar with these issues through the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union, and that the principles developed by these courts can be directly applied in judicial practice. She also noted that the experience of other countries demonstrates that the harmonization process is neither simple nor uniform. While a dedicated law could facilitate the regulation of these issues, judges often rely on existing legal codes and tend to be cautious regarding profound procedural changes. In this context, Bushati emphasized that the debate should not be perceived as an approach aimed solely at protecting journalists or any particular group, but rather as an effort to establish a fair balance. In the current climate, where the media and judiciary are often perceived as being in tension with one another, a more balanced and constructive approach is needed. The objective is to strengthen mutual trust and create a more functional relationship, whereby the judiciary can independently and calmly perform its procedural functions, while the media can fulfil its informative role without undue restrictions. Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice, emphasized the need to maintain a balance between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring protection for individuals who may be victims of defamatory statements. He argued that European instruments in this field are relatively new but offer valuable opportunities to learn from the practices and experiences of other European countries. Dobi placed the discussion on SLAPP lawsuits within the broader debate on media freedom and freedom of expression in Albania, also referring to discussions concerning the complete decriminalization of defamation. In Albania, defamation has been decriminalized and is now addressed through administrative and civil liability mechanisms, with fines reaching up to approximately 10 million Albanian lek in the most serious cases and under aggravating circumstances. He further informed participants that the responsible institutions are currently analyzing the existing situation and that the objective is to prepare a consolidated draft law within the year that will ensure legal certainty while also being clear and practical to implement. This remains both a task and a challenge, requiring close institutional coordination and a balanced approach between European standards and national realities. During the open discussion, participants addressed a range of issues related to the judicial handling of SLAPP cases, the need for further training of magistrates, the strengthening of institutional capacities, and the role of civil society in identifying and addressing such cases. Participants also discussed the relationship between SLAPP lawsuits, hate speech, media pluralism, and the protection of democratic space for public participation, 5 June 2026
This discussion roundtable for Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, organized by EMA -
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