At the 10th Media Development Forum organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Silvio Gonzato, announced that: “…the EU supports the idea of a structured dialogue involving the state authorities and all relevant actors of the media sector…In collaboration with the Council of Europe, the EU has decided to work with Professor Mark Marku and the Department of Journalism in their facilitation role. Concretely, besides supporting the initiative politically, we will provide experts on European standards as well as the logistical means to this dialogue effort. In our view, this dialogue should have as a goal not only to build trust among all actors but also eventually come up with concrete proposals for the government and the Parliament on how Albania can meet its EU-related commitments in the field of media freedom and freedom of expression.” Full statement here.

Prof. Mark Marku, Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Tirana, speaking in the panel on media policy and safety of journalists at the 10th Media Development Forum, confirmed that he had accepted the lead facilitator role for the media structured dialogue. He reiterated that the structured dialogue with the support of the EU and the Council of Europe would engage all stakeholders to address pressing issues such as media freedom, journalist safety, working conditions and labor rights, ownership concentration, independence of public service media, and media regulator, and advertising and financing transparency as well as copyright issues. Prof. Marku noted that a concept note on the methodology of the structured dialogue and timeline has been submitted to the EU and will be agreed upon with the Council of Europe. The final aim is that specific proposals will be put forward to the decision-makers within one year.

In related, the State Police of Albania has introduced a new Standard Procedure for managing police services during protests, approved by Order No. 1180 on August 16, 2023, by the General Director. This order sets out crucial protocols to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists and media representatives during public gatherings and protests.

Key provisions include the Rights of Journalists, ensuring journalists can attend and report on assemblies without removal or mistreatment. The police are also responsible for Verification and Identification, working closely with media organizations to confirm journalists’ credentials. Additionally, the order outlines Police Responsibilities to ensure journalists’ safety while maintaining public order, including the obligation to inform journalists about safety risks and issue Warnings about the use of force. Finally, clear procedures are established for Handling Complaints, requiring the police to address concerns from journalists and work with media associations to prevent disruptions to their work.