Albania faces a growing threat from disinformation campaigns launched by foreign actors, specifically Russia and Iran, according to Defense Minister Pirro Vengu. Speaking before the Commission on Disinformation, Vengu highlighted how these countries are using fake news and propaganda as part of a broader strategy to manipulate public perception and destabilize the nation.
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| Pirro Vengu on a public speech |
"This manipulation of information from foreign states, which includes disinformation and propaganda, represents an international security threat. It has the potential to create divisions within and between countries, jeopardize the integrity of elections, and erode public trust in government institutions," Vengu said, as reported by A2 CNN.
Albania, he warned, is a direct target of such malicious campaigns. He cited a recent example from April 2024, when the Albanian Ministry of Defense established a Center for Security and Defense Innovation. "Immediately after this, both official channels and media outlets revived Russian narratives, with the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, claiming that NATO’s investment in Albania was deliberately being framed as a source of hybrid threats in the Balkans. Albania was even accused of pursuing an offensive hybrid strategy in the region," Vengu explained.
The minister underscored the ongoing foreign interference in the country, referencing how such tactics have evolved over time. He pointed to an instance in January 2020 when Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini referred to Albania as a "small and evil European country," labeling it a puppet of the United States harboring Iranian mercenaries who had betrayed their homeland.
“Regardless of the timing or motives behind these statements, it’s evident that both Russia and Iran have consistently targeted us, often starting with official declarations,” Vengu noted. He added that the response strategies would include both ignoring and discrediting these efforts. "Many countries have opted to ignore third-party attempts at disinformation, defending primarily the right to free speech. However, we now find ourselves in a situation where artificial intelligence needs to intervene to filter and discredit disinformation elements. From our perspective at the Ministry of Defense, we must aim for a combination of both approaches," he stated.
Vengu’s remarks underline Albania’s growing concerns about the impact of foreign disinformation on its national security. The minister emphasized the need for robust defense strategies that integrate advanced technologies like AI to counter the growing threat of fake news and propaganda.
As Albania continues to align more closely with NATO and Western allies, these disinformation campaigns serve as a reminder of the geopolitical challenges it faces.