Russian propaganda has found fertile ground in the Balkans, leveraging online media to spread disinformation and destabilize the region. Although Albania remains relatively insulated from the full brunt of this hybrid warfare, recent developments indicate that Russian disinformation efforts are expanding into the Albanian language, raising concerns about national security and regional stability.
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The Scope of Russian Influence
Albania's Interior Minister, Ervin Hoxha, highlighted this issue during a report to the Parliamentary Commission Against Disinformation, chaired by socialist MP Erion Braçe. According to Hoxha, 90% of Russian propaganda in the region is disseminated in Serbian, targeting areas where linguistic and cultural ties make audiences more susceptible.
However, Hoxha emphasized that Albania has been less affected compared to its neighbors:
"Albania is among the least impacted by Russia’s hybrid campaigns in the region. Recently, Russian disinformation infrastructure in the Balkans has expanded to include Albanian-language platforms. Despite this, these portals have limited visibility, low readership, and minimal engagement."
A Strategic Threat to Democracy
This situation poses a significant challenge to democratic societies in the Balkans. Russia’s hybrid tactics aim to sow discord, erode trust in institutions, and exploit existing social and political fractures. For Albania, which is deeply interconnected with regional and global economic developments and a member of NATO and an EU candidate country, countering these threats is a strategic priority.
Minister Hoxha underlined the importance of resilience:
"Preventing, countering, and responding to hybrid attacks is essential for preserving national order and security, ensuring social cohesion, and guaranteeing the continuity of critical national security services."
Lessons from the Iranian Cyberattack
The recent Iranian cyberattack on Albania serves as a case study in managing hybrid threats. Minister Hoxha pointed out that swift cooperation with international partners minimized the damage caused by the attack, showcasing the value of alliances in combating such challenges.
A Call to Action
While Albania’s exposure to Russian disinformation remains limited, the emergence of Albanian-language portals linked to Russian propaganda underscores the need for vigilance. Regional cooperation, robust cyber defenses, and public awareness campaigns will be critical in addressing this evolving threat.
The battle against disinformation is not just about countering narratives; it is about safeguarding democracy, social harmony, and the sovereignty of nations in an era where information is both a weapon and a battlefield.