Albania will limit media freedom by curtailing access

Significance

The Albanian section of the report, published by a consortium of journalists’ organisations, focuses on shortcomings in relation to the independence of the media regulator; raises concerns about journalists’ access to official information; and points to lack of action to protect journalists from physical assault.

Impacts

• Government efforts to centralise provision of official information will benefit media outlets sympathetic to the ruling Socialists.
• Attempts to curtail access to official information will prompt further conflicts with journalists and the opposition.
• Albania is formally qualified to start EU accession talks, having met all the media-related conditions set by the EU.
• Once talks get under way, pressure will build on Albania to improve its record so that the negotiating chapter on the media can be closed.