The rise of disinformation and malicious foreign interference in Albania’s economy sparks concerns over national security and institutional gaps.

Albania grapples with disinformation and foreign interference, exposing gaps in institutional coordination and national security. Experts call for urgent legal measures to counter these threats.

Albania is grappling with a growing challenge: disinformation and foreign interference that threaten its democratic processes and economic stability. A parliamentary commission set up to address these issues has revealed a troubling lack of institutional coordination. This has left the country vulnerable to malicious actors targeting critical sectors, including its economy, amid intensified global tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Disinformation: A Persistent Threat to Democracy


The special parliamentary commission against disinformation was established to tackle the growing menace of foreign influence on Albania's democratic processes. However, its findings have highlighted serious gaps. There is no dedicated mechanism to identify or counter online disinformation campaigns, nor is there a legal framework specifically addressing the issue.

Erion Braçe, the commission's chairman, expressed concern over the institutional inadequacies. “We don’t have institutions equipped to detect, analyze, or correct online disinformation campaigns,” he stated.

Economic Interference: A Hidden Battleground


Economic interference has emerged as a significant concern. The commission’s investigation uncovered cases of Russian economic operators using EU countries as intermediaries to evade sanctions. These entities, often with Russian beneficial owners, have extended their activities into Albania.

Braçe elaborated, “Russian shareholders are operating within our territory under various guises, yet institutional coordination to track beneficial ownership is severely lacking. The National Business Center’s records do not align with data held by other agencies.”

This disconnect between institutions has left Albania’s economy vulnerable to foreign manipulation, exacerbating the risks posed by disinformation campaigns.

Cybersecurity Under Pressure


Disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks have intensified since the onset of the war in Ukraine. A recent attack targeted the services of a public health institution in Albania, underscoring the country’s susceptibility to cyber threats.

The Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) has taken measures to block over 150 Russian and Iranian websites disseminating propaganda. Despite these efforts, Braçe noted, “There are still uncluttered websites and social media platforms spreading Russian propaganda in Albanian, aiming to destabilize the region.”

Experts Call for Action


Analysts have warned that Albania’s weak institutional framework makes it particularly susceptible to foreign interference. “The Russian risk in Albania, with its institutional inefficiencies, can lead to manipulations that create chaos and hinder development,” said Professor Dritan Hoti of the Mediterranean University of Albania.

Calls for urgent legal reforms are growing louder. Experts emphasize the need for robust laws and coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of foreign interference on Albania’s democratic and economic structures.

Bridging the Gaps to Protect Democracy


Albania’s struggle with disinformation and foreign interference highlights the pressing need for institutional reform and international collaboration. As the country navigates these challenges, swift legal action and improved coordination between agencies are vital to safeguard its democratic integrity and economic resilience.

With the stakes higher than ever, Albania’s ability to address these vulnerabilities will determine its capacity to withstand future threats and maintain its sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.