On 21 May 2024, the second Steering Committee meeting of the project "Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in Albania" (PRO-FREX-A), implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, was held in Tirana. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the project's progress and set objectives for the upcoming year.

The Action will maintain and strengthen its partnership with the School of Magistrates, the Bar Association, State Police Directorate, and Audio-Visual Media Authority to implement their institutional agendas and improve the environment of freedom of expression and the media in line with European standards.

This collaboration includes the continued training of judges and prosecutors with a focus on countering the use of SLAPP cases – in line with the recently adopted anti-SLAPP Recommendation of Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. Additionally, it aims to enhance the regulatory authority’s ability to better monitor content of audiovisual media, especially in view of next year’s parliamentary elections. Technical support to the State police in setting up a monitoring system for crimes against journalists is also being initiated.

During their presentations, representatives from key beneficiaries and relevant partner institutions reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing collaboration with the Action, underscoring their continued obligation to enhancing freedom of expression and media freedom in Albania.

This activity was organised within the action of Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Albania which is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.