European Union awards first prize to Amfora’s investigation into the destruction of Butrint Park

On the evening of October 20, the European Union Awards for Investigative Journalism 2025 were held at the “House of Europe” in Tirana to recognize the achievements of journalists who brought the most powerful investigative stories to Albania during the past year. Journalists Geri Emiri, Erjola Azizolli, Vladimir Karaj, Edmond Hoxhaj, Erisa Kryeziu, and Esmeralda Keta were selected from among many colleagues as this year’s winners for stories that shed light on the misuse of public funds, corruption, as well as issues with ecology, health, and cultural heritage. “In Albania, investigative journalism continues to play a key role in promoting transparency and accountability. We are aware of the challenges that journalists still face, from intimidation and economic pressure to concentrated media ownership,” said the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, during his welcoming speech.

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 Prizes for Investigative Journalism are funded by the European Union in cooperation with “Thomson Media” and implemented by a consortium of organisations consisting of the Balkan Investigative Journalism Network – BIRN Hub, Central European University (CEU) – Hungary, Association of Journalists (AJ) – Turkey, Thomson Media (TM) – Germany, University Goce Delcev Stip (UGD) – North Macedonia, Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) – North Macedonia, Media Association of South East Europe (MASE) – Montenegro, and Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Kosovo (BIRN Kosovo).