The Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Tirana on 2-3 April 2025, marking its first mission to Albania. Meeting with civil society, media representatives, and authorities, the delegation gathered input on key challenges affecting freedoms of association and assembly, media freedom, non-discrimination, and access to justice. Stakeholders raised alarms over underfunded CSOs, weak civil society participation in policymaking, and growing concerns about the withdrawal of major donors. Journalists reported increasing political interference and self-censorship due to precarious working conditions and media ownership concentration. Despite Albania’s progressive legal framework, gaps in implementation persist, especially in protecting vulnerable groups, tackling online hate, and addressing excessive delays in the justice system. Read more here.
Source: EESC
