Albania’s Special Commission on Disinformation held a meeting to review its ongoing actions against disinformation and foreign interference in democratic processes. Commission Chair Erion Braçe noted the absence of opposition members from the commission.

Why is this significant: The Commission’s work is vital as disinformation and foreign interference increasingly impact Albania and the region. The efforts reflect Albania’s proactive approach to defending its democratic integrity against external threats.

Alarming findings:

• Disinformation on Kosovo: Misleading news from Serbian media about a possible invasion of Kosovo by Serbia spread rapidly and was amplified by Albanian media. This created a chain of false narratives, causing widespread alarm.
• Attacks on tourism: Albania’s tourism sector faced disinformation campaigns from foreign groups. These campaigns targeted accommodation units, aiming to divert bookings away from Albania, affecting a key economic sector.
• Regional tensions: False information concerning relations between Kosovo, Albania, and Serbia spread through the media, exacerbating regional tensions and causing concern within Albania.

Engagement: The commission has actively engaged with public and independent institutions through ongoing meetings and correspondence. It requested fifteen public institutions to conduct legal analyses and provide recommendations on disinformation and foreign interference, aligning with international guidelines. These efforts focus on implementing legal and institutional measures to effectively address these challenges.

International collaboration: The commission will start hearings in the second week of October, involving high-level officials and experts to gain insights into disinformation issues. The commission has also secured support from the EU, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. A two-day workshop and a series of expert missions are planned to focus on best practices in combating disinformation. Continuous collaboration with national and international partners is essential to enhancing Albania’s resilience against these threats.

Next steps: The commission will continue with planned hearings and expert workshops to strengthen Albania’s defenses against disinformation and foreign interference. These actions underscore the country’s commitment to protecting its democratic processes and maintaining its integrity on the international stage.