The conference was organized by “Faktoje,” in partnership with “Hibrid.info” and the French embassies in Albania and Kosovo, with the participation of representatives from institutions, the media and civil society, as well as experts of the field.

The discussions centered on how public and private sectors must safeguard information integrity in an age dominated by AI, digital platforms and information manipulation.

In her opening remarks, the French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard stated that the international situation and the evolution of social media are creating new challenges for public information and democracies.

“Social media is increasingly influencing how events—including international ones—are perceived,” Suard said, noting that when there is crises, emotions are often amplified more than efforts to understand the actual situation. The ambassador emphasized that information manipulation by state and non-state actors is on the rise and that these practices aim to deepen the polarization of public debate and exploit the internal vulnerabilities of democratic societies.

“France is particularly exposed to these hostile information maneuvers,” said Suard, adding that protecting the integrity of information and combating its manipulation have become new public policies and important components of French foreign policy.

She emphasized the need for an integrated approach that includes rapid responses to false information, diversified communication methods, collaboration with media, fact-checkers and social media influencers as well as strengthened governance of digital platforms.

Suard also outlined France’s efforts to build strategic communication and counter-disinformation capabilities, including the “French Response” initiative, which uses humor to expose and discredit disinformation content.

“It is time to wake up,” the ambassador stated, referring to the need for Albania to also build its capacity to tackle these challenges.

She also mentioned the Franco-German cooperation aimed at creating an “information shield” to support the European Union’s external action.

Suard hailed Albania’s adoption of a national strategy to combat disinformation as a significant development, noting that such discussions contribute to its implementation and improvement.

Gledis Gjipali, the European Movement Albania CEO, remarked that the discussion is held in the proper time as Albania aligns its Digital Services Act with the European framework. “Once approved by Parliament, this act will impose obligations on the media and civil society. This requires coordination and cooperation among the relevant actors, while also defining duties and responsibilities for us all,” stated Gjipali.

Klodiana Kapo, Executive Director of “Faktoje,” focused on the role of professional journalism in the face of the massive influx of information and the difficulty of distinguishing the truth from the manipulated content.

“Journalism core is integrity—on presenting facts and the truth. There is only one truth,” said Kapo, emphasizing that technological advancements have created a significant advantage for the spread of unverified information.

According to her, independent and professional journalism might appear “naive” under the current circumstances, yet it remains more essential than ever.

“It is necessary to understand who lies behind certain narratives. Half-truths are the poison that has killed journalism,” Kapo remarked, also criticizing the publication of unsigned articles on portals that are difficult to identify.

She underscored that “Faktoje” aims to foster critical thinking, fact-checking and accountability, while urging that legislation regarding information integrity also take election campaigns into account.

On her part, Socialist Party MP Iris Luarasi pointed at some cases when manipulated images were used in public debates, specifically referring to protests against a tourism project in Zvërnec.

She presented a photo showing a young woman holding a poster that depicted Albania split in two, featuring both the Albanian and Israeli flags. Luarasi also mentioned another image showing a fence in Zvërnec adorned with signs and the flags of Albania and Israel. According to her, fact-checking revealed that the image had been edited and that the features shown did not exist in reality, raising suspicions that the photo was created using artificial intelligence.

“Thus, the debate over a tourism project turned into a story about people buying our homeland,” Luarasi said, emphasizing how such instances demonstrate how a specific issue can be transformed into a manipulated narrative that influences public perception.

The conference also addressed disinformation trends in Albania and Kosovo, cross-border narratives, AI-generated content, foreign interference in the information space and the role of platforms in disseminating such material. The experts also addressed the transparency and accountability of digital platforms, the implementation of the EU Digital Services Act, institutional responsibilities, media literacy, professional journalism and cooperation among the media, institutions and civil society.

The conference concluded with discussions on a list of priority measures to enhance information integrity, democratic resilience and inter-institutional cooperation over the coming year. /p.s./

Gogu noted that despite being signed and sealed by a notary, many contracts still end up in court.

“This is an area where we need to improve,” he said, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the credibility of notarial acts.

According to him, the priority of institutional work should be securing property titles, enhancing notarial fee transparency, and streamlining services for citizens abroad.

Gogu underlined that the goal is to simplify procedures for citizens.

“The citizen does not need one more legal process, but one less hassle,” he said. /j.p/p.s./

Marcela Kërëku of the Department of Public Administration represented the country and contributed to the discussions on the role of integrity as a key factor for competitiveness and development.

During the session on the topic “The Integrity Advantage: Integrity in the Public Sector through Training”, there was highlighted the significance of training in the public sector and the use of online courses to improve the ethics and integrity of civil servants, as part of reforms for a more efficient, transparent and accountable administration.

The forum highlighted how public sector integrity and streamlined administrative procedures boost the business climate and economic growth, particularly in the Western Balkans.

Albania participated in this event in cooperation and with the support of ReSPA. /gj.m/r.e/j.p/p.s./

Present at the event organized today within the framework of the “Health Integrity Week”, Sala emphasized the role of institutions in the integrity of quality healthcare services.

In her speech, Sala said that, “Without strong institutions, without responsible policies, without a state that guarantees ethics and integrity, neither medicine nor doctors can advance their human mission”.

While highlighting improvement in healthcare service standards and the digitalization of processes that improve quality, Sala listed some of the concrete steps that have been taken in this direction.

“On our path to Albania 2030, integrity in healthcare is not simply a professional necessity, it is a political criterion, it is a strategic commitment and it is a European standard that our country must and will fulfill. We have begun implementation of electronic prescriptions and every day 20 thousand citizens receive their electronically reimbursed prescription and 7 thousand are referred to the health “referral system”, said Sala.

The minister also said that there are made efforts to raise awareness and protect the integrity of the healthcare system, while underlining that integrity in healthcare is not only a professional issue, it is a matter of public morality, democratic culture and the political vision of a country”.

“Without honesty, transparency, clear communication and respect for the patient, there can be no trust; and without trust, there can be no functioning healthcare system. Healthcare is the most direct contract between the state and the citizen. And we are determined that this contract will be sustainable, fair and without compromise”, concluded Sala.

During the event, there was also emphasized that integrity in healthcare is the foundation on which trust is built between citizens and the healthcare system, implying transparency, accountability and fair action in every link of medical care, from institutional decision-making to the daily practice of professionals.

This event was organized by the Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, in cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland to Albania and the “Institute on Governance” (Basel). /k.s/a.f/p.s./

Speaking at a meeting organized by the High Justice Inspector in cooperation with the Dutch government’s MATRA program, Blaisse announced the launch of a new project aimed at further enhancing judicial integrity in Albania.

“Judicial integrity is the foundation of an effective, independent judiciary and the rule of law,” she stated, adding that Albania should be proud of the reforms already achieved.

The newly launched initiative, “Strengthening Judicial Integrity in Albania,” will focus on professional ethics, continuous training, and public trust in the post-vetting era of justice reform.

“We aim to consolidate progress made so far and reflect on what is still needed,” Blaisse said. “This includes supporting young magistrates in developing professional values and encouraging peer-based learning and dialogue on complex judicial issues.”

The MATRA-funded project, which will run from September 2025 to December 2027, includes training sessions and professional workshops, ethical reflection sessions to discuss sensitive cases, exchange programs and study visits to the Netherlands, support for judicial inspectors and magistrates, promotion of transparency and public confidence in the judiciary.

Implemented by the Dutch SSR in partnership with Albanian justice institutions, the project seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of justice reforms by improving ethical standards and fostering open professional dialogue.

/k.s/r.e/a.f/u.sh/

Speaking at a regional OSCE conference on drug trafficking and violent crime, an event taking for first time in Albania, VanHorn emphasized that combating organized crime and narcotics trafficking remains a top priority for both the United States and Albania.

“These issues undermine global security, pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of our citizens, and threaten stability around the world,” VanHorn told participants at the event, which gathered senior officials including Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) head Altin Dumani, OSCE Ambassador to Albania Michael Tarran, and Greek Ambassador Konstantina Kamitsi, etc.

She also thanked law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and investigators for their continued efforts in the fight against organized crime.

“Illegal drugs and organized crime pose a direct threat to our national security,” VanHorn said, referencing U.S. policy priorities. “President Trump has directed that every policy and dollar of assistance advance the national security interests of the United States. That includes dismantling transnational criminal organizations.”

She added that U.S. cooperation will deepen with governments that demonstrate a shared commitment to these goals. “Our efforts will be based on concrete mutual interests – not empty rhetoric or ideology, as Secretary Rubio has emphasized.”

VanHorn highlighted recent law enforcement programs in the Western Balkans that emphasize results and shared responsibility, reflecting the “America First” approach in U.S. foreign policy.

Commenting on SPAK chief Altin Dumani’s recent visit to Washington, VanHorn said discussions focused on joint efforts to fight crime both in Albania and the United States.

“However, this law enforcement partnership was not built overnight between our Justice Department and SPAK. And together, we must protect what we have built. SPAK is only as effective as its independence to pursue criminals, no matter to whom they are connected. And SPAK, too, of course, is subject to Albania’s laws. As it is, based on the law, Mr. Dumani, as effective, phenomenally effective, as he has been, is going to be replaced because his term is up. And the process of selecting Mr. Dumani’s replacement must be impartial, it must be transparent, and it must be free from outside influence,” she said.

“Those who wish to see Albania continue its fight against crime and corruption, including international partners, are keenly interested in the process and will be watching it closely. The United States expects integrity in the selection of the next Chief Special Prosecutor; as we expect it for the selection of the next NBI Director.

Thank you again for your courage, for your commitment to your countries and citizens. I trust that this conference will strengthen your skills and provide new tools in your fight against organized crime,” US Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn concluded.

/e.i/j.p/u.sh/

Addressing the event, Justice Minister Manja emphasized that magistrate integrity is not just a legal or constitutional term but the core of citizens’ trust in justice. It entails impartiality, honesty, accountability, independence, fair treatment of citizens, commitment, and judicial efficiency.

Manja said that judicial reform and vetting were necessary steps to cleanse the system but noted that these alone are not enough.

“True integrity is built and maintained daily by the system itself, through how magistrates and justice institutions keep themselves accountable and maintain their integrity,” he said, highlighting the critical role of the High Judicial Council, High Prosecutorial Council, High Inspectorate of Justice, and the School of Magistrates.

He stressed that these constitutional bodies, together with judges and prosecutors, hold the constitutional, legal, and institutional responsibility to sustainably guarantee system integrity and independence.

“Only if justice system actors work honestly every day for their integrity, independence, and accountability will citizens perceive and trust that justice is fair and equal for all,” Justice Minister stated.

/k.s/j.p/u.sh/

According to the press release, the U.S. diplomat urged the High Prosecutorial Council members to act with integrity and make decisions in the best interest of the system, despite challenges and pressures.

“Together, we are committed to strengthening justice and integrity in Albania,” the Embassy said.

/a.f/r.e/u.sh/

“This operation is a clear message to those police officers of any level, who will attempt to betray the citizens’ trust in the Police, who pass themselves off as the masters of citizens and businesses and not as servants of the law. I say, they will get the most severe legal punishment”, said the minister.

Hoxha supported and encouraged the Police Surveillance Agency and other law enforcement agencies, as well as encouraged and guaranteed citizens and businesses to report such cases.

“Only together, can we achieve the main objective, to have a police as professional as possible and with high moral and legal integrity”, said the minister. /m.m/p.s./

At the National Conference on the anniversary of the Constitutional Court, Rama said that, “The Constitution belongs to everyone”.

“But, the Constitutional Court should make it as accessible as possible, accepted and understood by all, he said.

Rama emphasized that, “Today, the Constitution has an entire army of guardians, starting from the ordinary citizen, to the Head of State, without forgetting the civil society, the academic world, the commitments and various multilateral institutions of international politics”.

According to him, “The implementation of the justice reform proves clearly and painfully the way a system is that fails to have independent judges with integrity and professionalism”.

“On this 30th anniversary, I would like to remember Jusuf Vrioni, one of the most cultured Albanians and certainly one of the most learned lawyers who lived in this country”, he continued.

“Jusuf Vrioni was a politically persecuted person, brutally tortured in the prisons of the communist regime, isolated for many years and obviously, he was someone who was looking forward to the end of that regime. During a conversation after the fall of the regime, in ’91 I said to him, “You do not seem as enthusiastic as you should be about the arrival of democracy”. Jusuf laughed and said, “Democracy has not come, freedom has come. Now, begins the effort to bring democracy”.

“Freedom is the opportunity to choose, the opportunity to be elected, the opportunity to write laws debate in the Parliament, the opportunity to do what you want and say what you think, while democracy is the court and judge. In order to have democracy, it is not enough for judges not to be communists, it is not enough to be honest and independent, but they must also be capable. This means that they must not only have moral, but also professional integrity and vice versa. May moral integrity help them to understand that professionally there is no end to perfection”, continued the prime minister remembering conversation with Vrioni.

Rama said that, “A judge is as independent and has as much moral and professional integrity as his intellectual and social formation allows, therefore a court is as independent and capable as its judges”.

“A healthy general culture is the number one criterion for having a Constitutional Court”, emphasized Rama./p.s./