The European Union Awards prizes for Investigative Journalists in Albania

In a ceremony organized by the European Union on Thursday afternoon, three awards were presented to journalists who published the best investigative stories in Albania during 2023.

Journalists Anesti Barjamemaj, Vladimir Karaj, Ola Xama, Geri Emiri, Aida Ciro, and Aleksandar Dimitrievski were selected among many colleagues as this year’s winners for their stories on environmental crime, the role of senior officials in corruption, and the difficulties faced by farmers in the Balkans.

André Rizzo, Head of the Political Section of the EU Delegation in Albania, spoke about the role of investigative journalism in holding power accountable and promoting transparency as part of democracy. 

“In a world where the pace of the news cycle and news consumption is so rapid, these awards aim at promoting excellence in investigative journalism that allows citizens to get a more in-depth understanding of news stories,” said Rizzo.

Journalists Anesti Barjamemaj and Vladimir Karaj from Reporter.al and the Voice of America were awarded first place for their investigation into environmental crime at the Sharra Landfill, exposing toxic waste dumping into the Erzen River.

Journalist Ola Xama from Reporter.al was awarded second place for uncovering the role of Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj in the controversial Tirana Incinerator project.

Journalists from Amfora.al, Geri Emiri, and Aida Ciro from Albania, along with journalist Aleksandar Dimitrievski from North Macedonia, were awarded third place for their article that highlighted the challenges faced by Balkan farmers in accessing funds from the IPARD Program. The investigation published by Amfora revealed that the temporary suspension of the IPARD II agricultural program for Albania, following suspicions of corruption by the European Union, was just the tip of the iceberg of a €94.6 million grant package.

According to the findings, the program in Albania had turned into an “exclusive club” for large companies connected to politics and crime, while in North Macedonia, the program exposed similar but less frequent connections

“Our investigation, more than the abuse of EU aid and corruption at various levels, primarily in Albania, is dedicated to one of the most vulnerable groups in society, farmers, and livestock breeders,” explained co-author of the investigation, Geri Emiri.

“In a professional sense, I believe today’s award is dedicated to true journalism, the principled one that verifies every detail, that does not retreat in the face of pressure, and does not chase the ‘scoop,'” added Emiri, emphasizing that the result came from dedication and teamwork.

The three-member jury that selected the winners in Albania consisted of Ilda Londo, who has been a research coordinator at the Albanian Media Institute since 2001 and is specialized in media freedom, regulatory performance, and its development. 

Another member was Albana Kasapi, a senior journalist and editor of the “Weekend” program at BBC World Service Radio. Based in the UK, she has reported on major events across the Balkans, Moscow, Kyiv, and beyond. 

The third jury member was Elira Çanga, a media development expert with various roles over the years in the OSCE, British Council, and USAID. She is also a pioneer in fact-checking and media modernization in Albania.

The European Union Investigative Journalism Awards are given by the European Union in cooperation with “Thomson Media” in the Western Balkan countries and Turkey to empower and support independent journalism and investigative journalists.