Poland-Albania Launch Joint Initiative to Combat Disinformation

In a significant move to combat the growing threat of disinformation, Albanian fact-checking organization Faktoje premiered a documentary film titled “Conflict” on December 3-4, 2025. The film, produced with support from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tirana, addresses the critical issues of foreign information manipulation and interference within Albania’s information ecosystem.

The documentary arrives at a crucial moment when false narratives are spreading at unprecedented rates, posing serious challenges to information integrity across the Western Balkans. According to experts featured in the film, disinformation campaigns have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting vulnerable information environments throughout the region.

“Conflict” explores the complex landscape of disinformation in Albania, highlighting specific techniques used to manipulate public opinion and examining the sources behind these coordinated efforts. The film places particular emphasis on Russian narratives penetrating Albanian media channels and social networks, documenting their impact on public discourse.

The collaboration between Faktoje and the Polish Embassy represents a growing recognition that disinformation requires cross-border cooperation. As a member of the Western Balkans Regional Network against Disinformation, Faktoje has established itself as a leading voice in the fight for information integrity in the region.

What makes the documentary particularly valuable is its evidence-based approach, presenting detailed case studies that illustrate the real-world consequences of unchecked misinformation. Through interviews with Albanian experts and extensive documentation, the film provides both educational content and practical insights into recognizing and countering manipulation attempts.

“One of the greatest challenges we face is the lack of media literacy education,” noted a spokesperson for the project. “When you combine widespread internet access and heavy social media use with limited training in source verification and critical evaluation, you create the perfect environment for disinformation to flourish.”

The documentary also examines the significant obstacles facing both government institutions and civil society organizations as they attempt to counter these threats. From regulatory challenges to resource limitations, “Conflict” presents a comprehensive overview of the disinformation landscape in Albania.

For Poland, supporting this initiative aligns with broader European efforts to strengthen democratic resilience against foreign interference. The Polish Embassy in Tirana expressed appreciation for Faktoje’s professionalism and commitment throughout the production process, highlighting the importance of such partnerships in addressing transnational threats.

Media experts have noted that the Western Balkans region has become a particular target for disinformation campaigns in recent years. The documentary comes at a time when Albania, like many of its neighbors, faces increasing pressure from coordinated efforts to undermine democratic institutions through manipulative information tactics.

The film’s release strategy includes both physical screenings and digital distribution, making it accessible to Albanian audiences as well as international viewers interested in understanding the global dimensions of information warfare. It is now available on YouTube with English subtitles to reach a broader audience.

Beyond raising awareness, the documentary aims to equip viewers with practical tools for recognizing disinformation techniques. By demonstrating how foreign manipulation attempts operate in real-world contexts, “Conflict” serves as both a warning and an educational resource.

As disinformation continues to evolve as a threat to democratic societies worldwide, initiatives like this Polish-Albanian collaboration may provide a model for future cross-border efforts to protect information integrity and promote media literacy.