Albania has shown significant improvement in the annual Press Freedom Index, according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The country now ranks 80th out of 180 nations analyzed, a 19-place improvement from 2024.

However, the RSF report underscores major challenges related to media in Albania, particularly conflicts of interest and economic independence.

“In Albania, press freedom and media independence are undermined by conflicts of interest between the business and political worlds. Journalists are often victims of intimidation by politicians and organized crime,” the report states.

In the Balkan region, the report notes a general decline in media freedom. Montenegro ranks the highest in the region at 37th, followed by North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Kosovo has also seen a decline in its press freedom ranking, now standing at 99th globally among 180 countries.

The RSF 2025 report highlights that “one of the key factors weakening the media is economic pressure, closely tied to the concentration of media ownership, dependence on advertisers, and the lack of transparent public support.”

RSF concludes that without economic independence, a free press cannot thrive, as financial instability leaves media outlets vulnerable to political influence and narrow business interests.

/a.p./