Albania improves press freedom ranking, RSF says

TIRANA, May 2 (TemA) –  Albania has improved its position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking 80th out of 180 countries, a 19-place rise from 2024, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

However, RSF warned that press freedom and media independence in Albania remain under threat from conflicts of interest between business and politics, as well as intimidation of journalists by politicians and organized crime.

The report noted a general decline in press freedom across the Western Balkans. Montenegro ranked highest in the region at 37th, followed by North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Kosovo dropped to 99th place.

RSF highlighted economic pressures, media ownership concentration, dependence on advertisers, and lack of transparent public support as key factors undermining media independence.