Package of 12 legal initiatives for EU integration - Dhuka: Decriminalization of defamation against journalists. In 2026 we prepare 10-16 chapters
In the context of fulfilling the conditions for concluding accession negotiations with the European Union, Albania has prepared a package of 12 legal initiatives in the areas of the rule of law and the rule of law, social justice, organized crime, justice reform, and others.
This package of 12 legal initiatives contains 6 draft laws that were proposed by the Government and 6 were initiated by the Parliament. During a press conference, Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka stated that for the first time, defamation against journalists will be decriminalized.
"For the first time, through this package, Albania will fully decriminalize the criminal offense of defamation against journalists, while at the same time guaranteeing them new protection from threats due to their duties. A number of EU countries still criminalize defamation, including against journalists, because there are major challenges related to disinformation due to the digital world we live in. But Albania believes that making this change is an important investment in democracy and freedom of expression and in strengthening the important role that journalists have in this regard," stressed Dhuka.
Another innovation will be the draft law on lobbying and the one on sponsorships and donations, each of which foresees the establishment of a register that will guarantee greater transparency for those who interfere in political decision-making.
"Another important innovation is that after many years, Albania will finally have a law regulating lobbying activity to carefully regulate interventions in public decision-making. After 31 years, Albania will have a new law on donations and sponsorship. The existing law dates back to 1999, bringing the practice closer to European standards. At the same time, a lobbying registry will be created where journalists and citizens have information and at the same time a registry for sponsorship and donations as our effort to increase the dimensions of the 'Transparent Albania' initiative that the anti-corruption minister presented earlier and to show that the initiative is alive and continuous improvements are being made to our transparency efforts," said the Chief Negotiator.
The Law on Donations and Sponsorships provides for fiscal incentives for those structures that will provide donations for art, culture and sports. Within this year, a considerable number of laws will be reviewed within the framework of EU membership, while work will be carried out simultaneously in all 33 areas. According to the Chief Negotiator, 10-16 chapters are expected to be prepared in 2026.
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