In its 2024 Annual Report submitted to the Albanian Parliament, the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) stated that Albania has made significant progress in aligning its audiovisual legislation with the European Union framework. AMA noted that, following the 2023 amendments to Law No. 97/2013 “On Audiovisual Media,” the country’s legal provisions are now fully harmonized with the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2010/13/EU, as amended by Directive 2018/1808. According to AMA, these changes regulate both linear and non-linear audiovisual services as well as video-sharing platforms, ensuring that national rules reflect EU standards on transparency, accountability, and online content regulation.
The Authority reported that in 2024 it approved a new regulation on ownership structure and transparency of audiovisual media service providers, which represents a first step toward alignment with the forthcoming European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). AMA emphasized that this act strengthens obligations for media outlets to publish detailed information about their ownership, including beneficial owners, to increase public transparency and safeguard media pluralism.
In the report, AMA also highlighted the adoption of a new bylaw setting requirements for video-sharing platforms to establish transparent, effective, and user-friendly systems for content moderation and public protection. AMA underlined that it has continued its cooperation with the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) to combat audiovisual piracy and unlicensed online broadcasting, in line with EU digital market priorities.
AMA further stated that these measures are part of the National Plan for European Integration (PKIE) 2024–2026, reflecting Albania’s commitment to meeting the EU’s media freedom and rule of law benchmarks. The Authority concluded that, while notable progress has been achieved in the legal approximation process, continued efforts are required to strengthen enforcement, improve data verification on media ownership, and ensure full compliance with evolving EU standards