Ambassador Gonzato’s statement further underlined that: “The EU will continue to raise these concerns and support reforms that create a safer and fairer environment for journalists. At the same time, we will continue to invest in independent journalism, fact-checking initiatives, and media education because informed citizens are the best defence against disinformation and manipulation,” concluded Ambassador Gonzato.

The organizers highlighted the growing interest and professional standards in investigative journalism, reflecting the continued commitment of journalists to protecting transparency and the right to information.

“This year we had not only the highest number of applications but also the highest quality and most diverse topics, addressing misuse of public funds, corruption, and issues surrounding ecology, health, and cultural heritage,” said Sanja Lazic, representative of ‘Thomson Media’, in her opening remarks at the ceremony.

The ceremony carried on with the jury’s presentation, which selected this year’s winners from 32 applications, with members Blerjana Bino, Fatjona Mejdini, and Rashela Shehu, who presented the winners of the awards for the best investigative stories of 2024, divided into three awards. The first prize was won by journalists Geri Emiri and Erjola Azizolli from the media Amfora.al for the article “Resort at the Bay of Manastir destroyed the archaeological potential of Butrint Park”.

The Amfora investigation revealed the destruction of archaeological heritage in coastal areas for profit purposes, documenting how construction companies benefited from the government-granted status of so-called “Strategic Investor” despite clear violations of UNESCO rules and regulations. The article raises serious questions about accountability, corruption, and the protection of cultural assets on Albania’s path towards European integration.

The second prize this year had two winners, which went to journalists Vladimir Karaj and Edmond Hoxhaj from the media outlet “Reporter.al”. Karaj’s article – “Like in prison: African workers face deprivation of liberty and exploitation in Albania” – brings shocking evidence of the exploitation of African workers through discriminatory and illegal practices, documenting serious human rights violations. Meanwhile, journalist Hoxhaj’s research – “KPK asked for donation from Kastrati’s company, reminding him of a previously won tender” – exposes the lack of transparency in a key institution of justice reform, raising questions about institutional integrity and ethics in seeking public funds.

In third place were journalists Erisa Kryeziu and Esmeralda Keta from the media outlet “Citizens.al” with the article “They exploit us to the core: Women in the manufacturing industry complain about working conditions”. Their well-documented investigation addresses the exploitation of women in garment factories, shedding light on an important social and economic problem that often remains in the shadows.

In last year’s awards, “Third Place” went to journalists Geri Emiri, Aida Ciro, and Aleksandar Dimitrievski from Amfora.al for their article that exposed the challenges faced by farmers in the Balkans in accessing EU funds through the IPARD Programme.

The European Union Investigative Journalism Awards are presented by the European Union in cooperation with Thomson Media in the Western Balkan countries and in Turkey, with the aim of strengthening and supporting independent and investigative journalism.

The post European Union awards first prize to Amfora’s investigation into the destruction of Butrint Park first appeared on Amfora.

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.

The post The European Union Awards prizes for Investigative Journalists in Albania first appeared on Amfora.