The warning in parliament sounded stark.

“Events have shown that Albania has become a constant target of foreign interference and disinformation, so there is a need for preventive measures, with the help of our European partners,” MP Erjon Brace from the ruling Socialist Party told lawmakers on July 3.

The same day, MPs voted to adopt a new National Strategy against Foreign Intervention and Disinformation – intended to combat malicious foreign meddling in important sectors such as elections, the media and cyber-security.

During the presentation of the strategy by Brace, who is the head of parliament’s Special Anti-Disinformation Commission, he said that the measures are needed to boost national security after cyberattacks in recent years and Albania’s commitment to reaching European Union standards.