The head of RTSH, Albania’s public broadcaster, Eni Vasili, has confirmed that the organization is facing a severe financial crisis.

Speaking to BIRN, Vasili described the situation as a “catastrophic situation of debts and obligations,” which has left many contributors unpaid for months. She assured that the new management is “doing its best to manage the situation,” with the immediate priority being payments owed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Vasili emphasized the importance of these payments, stating: 

“Of course, there is a prioritization of payments at this moment, and we are trying to pay some international obligations first, some of which have not been paid since January 2024. Such non-payments would put RTSH in the position of losing its partnership with the EBU, and participation in Eurovision, or the loss of many television rights.”

She added that the Board of the Management will take a closer look at the broadcaster’s internal debts, with the finance department expected to take decisions.

Vasili took over as the head of RTHS in April following the departure of her predecessor, Alfred Peza. According to the Board of Directors, the broadcaster currently faces debts totaling 6 million euros, of which 1.8 million euros stem from Peza’s dismissal of 150 employees.

Image source: EBU (Sarah Louise Bennett) | Source: BalkanInsight

Albania made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004. Albania succeeded in their first showing with Anjeza Shahini’s “The Image of You”, finishing 7th in the final. Albania has competed in the Eurovision Song Contest every year since its debut. Since the success of their first appearance, they have reached the grand final a further 11 times. They bettered their 2004 score in 2012 with Rona Nishliu’s song “Suus”, which finished in 5th place with 146 points. This was their first time reaching the top 5 and their best placing to date.

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Posted by:Tamara Vecic

Tamara is originally from Slovenia but currently lives in The Netherlands. She became a Eurovoix member in February 2025. She has been actively following the Eurovision Song Contest since 2007 and gained interest for national selections in 2018. She closely follows the Balkan music scene and enjoys covering the region in her work.