This document presents the implementation of the Reform Agenda step aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists and safeguarding freedom of expression in line with European standards. To achieve this objective, Albania adopted binding State Police guidelines, designated dedicated contact points within the police, prosecution and judiciary, and established structured mechanisms for collecting and monitoring data on cases of violence and other criminal offences involving journalists.
The reform has also been supported through specialised training programmes for magistrates and State Police officers on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists and the handling of incidents during protests and public gatherings. These measures strengthen the institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute offences involving journalists, enhance the protection of journalists’ rights and contribute to a safer environment for media professionals and the effective exercise of freedom of expression.