From 2006 onwards, BIRN’s journalists and media outlets have won numerous international, European and domestic awards, including the European Press Prize, EU Investigative Journalism Awards, Fetisov Journalism Awards and UNICEF awards.
2026
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) – The Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award – Serbia
Award: best investigative story
Winner: Barbara Matejcic (BIRN contributor) for her investigation “Killing for a photograph: What is hidden behind the only photograph of death in the war in Yugoslavia” published on birn.rs.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) – The Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award – Serbia
Award: for reporting in the public interest
Winners: Radmilo Markovic (BIRN Serbia) and Jelena Kikic (NOVA TV) for their documentary “Generalstab: The collapse of the state.”
International Fetisov Journalism Award
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Emina Dizdarevic Tahmiscija for her series of articles on transitional justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The National Coalition for Decentralisation – Serbia
Award: Svetionicari [Beacon]
Winner: Radmilo Markovic for his exceptional contributions to combating corruption in Serbia in the journalism category.
2025
Regional EU Investigative Journalism Award
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Sasa Dragojlo for investigating opaque weapons shipments from Serbia to Israel.
Regional EU Investigative Journalism Award
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Xhorxhina Bami for her investigation exposing widespread online misogyny and institutional neglect across the Balkans.
The training programme “Digitise, Engage, Empower: Transforming Local Media Practices in Kosovo” – Award for Mobile Journalism
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Florinda Kelmendi for her article “The Young Man with Down Syndrome Who Excels in Both Education and Employment.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: 1st prize for Best Reporting on Economy
Winner: Egzon Dahsyla for his investigation “Tender Rigging: Audio Recordings Reveal How the CEO of KRU ‘Gjakova’ Was Involved in Tender Negotiations.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: Best Reporting on Workers’ Rights
Winner: Egzon Dahsyla for his investigation “Dangerous Construction Practices” which followed serious incidents in construction worksites in Pristina in April 2025.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: Best Reporting on Women’s Empowerment
Winner: Adelina Ahmeti for her investigation “Judge and Prosecutor Caught Discussing With Domestic Violence Suspect How to Silence the Victim.”
The Network for Building Peace – The “Goran Bubalo” Peace Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: for long-standing contribution to investigative journalism and media freedom
Winner: Denis Dzidic for his contribution to peace, equality, and justice.
The “Power of Words for Reconciliation” Competition – Montenegro
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Anastasija Orlandic for her story “Victims Without Expectations, Prosecution Without Resources.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Edmond Hoxhaj for a series of stories that uncovered the secret sponsor behind the Independent Qualification Commission, KPK, a key body in Albania’s judicial vetting process.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Vladimir Karaj for his investigation “Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Aleksa Tesic for his investigation “Silent Spying: How Serbian Intelligence Hacks Activists’ Phones – Without Them Knowing.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Sasa Dragojlo for his series of investigations of Serbia’s 2025 military exports to Israel.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Gordana Andric, Teodora Curcic, and Dragana Prica Kovacevic for their series of investigations on the protection of child victims of violence (journalists from Radio 021, Juzne vesti, Bujanovacke, Glas Sumadije, and Ozon Press worked on this series).
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Montenegro
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Ivan Ivanovic for his story “Big Brother: Montenegro’s Interior Ministry purchased Israeli facial recognition software.”
Biti Novinar Association – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Nino Catic Journalism Award
Winner: Aida Trepanic Hebib for her story on efforts to remove Srebrenica genocide denial from social media.
‘Remembering Through Art’ Exhibition
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Lamija Grebo for the testimony by Srebrenica mother Emina Hajdarevic about the son she lost in the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) – The Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award – Serbia
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Aleksa Tesic for the series of articles “Silent Spying: How Serbian Intelligence Hacks Activists’ Phones – Without Them Knowing.”
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) – The Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Sasa Dragojlo and Avi Scharf for their series of articles “Regardless of War Crimes Claims, Serbia’s Arms Sales to Israel Soar.”
2024
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Vladimir Karaj and Anesti Barjamemaj from Reporter.al and Voice of America for their investigation into environmental crime at the Sharra landfill, exposing toxic waste discharges into the Erzen river.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Ola Xama for a story that uncovered the role of the mayor of Tirana in the controversial Tirana incinerator project.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Nino Bilajac and freelance Selma Ucanbarlic for their work on the pyramid scheme of eMagnetix, which cost many people their investments.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Kreshnik Gashi and Behar Mustafa for their series of investigations into corruption with building permits in Brezovica.
Democracy for Development Institute (D4D) Award – Kosovo
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Jeta Xharra and Mediana Halili for their investigative reporting exposing discrimination against women applying for top positions at public broadcaster Radio Television of Kosovo, RTK.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Vlera Shabani for her research “We have a lot of expenses”: Parents of children with diabetes are waiting for the hand of the state.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: best TV story of the year
Winners: Adelina Ahmeti, Behar Mustafa, Mediana Halili, Shqipron Xhema, Valon Fana, and Xheneta Murtezaj for the product “Shiriti” (The tape), which aims to hold municipal leaders accountable for the work they promote on social media.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: The Best Conflict Reporting
Winner: Kreshnik Gashi for his documentary “Putin Calling: Russia’s Disinformation Flows Unchecked Through Balkans”.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: The Best Cameraman of the Year
Winner: Denis Sllovinja for the footage he captured in the aftermath of the January 2023 floods in Skenderaj.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: for the Best Reporting on Confidence Building
Winner: Arbrita Uka for her article “In Kosovo, Girls’ Football Scores Goal Against Ethnic Intolerance.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: the first prize in the category of Women’s Empowerment
Winner: Adelina Ahmeti for her investigation “The Injury Files in Dragash.”
EU Investigative Journalism Awards – Montenegro
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Djurdja Radulovic for her investigation “Nobody Checks: Bying Banned Pesticides in Montenegro.”
Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) award
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Jovana Damjanovic for her story “No Gender Marker Change for Married Individuals.”
Regional EU Investigative Journalism Award
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Sasa Dragojlo for his investigation “Albanian-Supplied AKs Fuel Violence on Refugee Route Through Serbia.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Gordana Andric and Aleksandar Djordjevic for their investigation “Fake Payments, Fictitious Lectures: How Millions of Euros for the Vulnerable Ended Up in Other People’s Pockets”.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Radmilo Markovic for his investigation “Belgrade – a paradise for wild construction and dubious legislation: BIRN found almost half a million disputed square meters.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Andjela Milivojevic for her investigation “I Was Powerless’: Serbian Women Detail Devastating Impact of Revenge Porn.”
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) – The Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Gordana Andric and Aleksandar Djordjevic for their investigation “Fake Payments, Fictitious Lectures: How Millions of Euros for the Vulnerable Ended Up in Other People’s Pockets”.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Award: Special commendations
Winners: Dragana Kovacevic Prica, Teodora Curcic and Gordana Andric for their story “Domestic Violence Against Children: Invisible Victims” which was written by BIRN in collaboration with media outlets 021, Juzne vesti, Bujanovacke, Glas Sumadije and Ozon.
BeFem Organisation’s Bring the Noize Annual Award
Award: The Best Feminist Reporting
Winner: Andjela Milivojevic for her investigation “I Was Powerless’: Serbian Women Detail Devastating Impact of Revenge Porn.”
The Novi Sad School of Journalism – Marina Kovacev Annual Award
Award: The Best Investigative Journalism – Young Journalists Category
Winner: Aleksa Tesic for his work related to the misuse of personal data of citizens, journalists, activists and politically unsuitable people in Serbia.
2023
EU Investigative Journalism Award – North Macedonia
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Frosina Dimeska for her investigation “Fugitive Ukraine Politician Under US Sanctions Wins North Macedonia Citizenship.”
Srdjan Aleksic Award
Award: in the ‘Contribution to the Community’ category
Winner: Haris Rovcanin for his work on the Database of Judicially Established Facts about the War in Bosnia.
CEI SEEMO Award
Award: in the ’Young Professional Journalists’ category
Winner: Azra Husaric Omerovic for her story “Bosnian Leukaemia Patient Dies After Anti-Medical Advice from ‘Healer.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Dzana Brkanic and Lamija Grebo for their investigation “Suspended Sentences Do not Prevent the Spread of Hate.”
Dusan Bogavac Award
Award: for journalistic ethics and courage
Winner: Sasa Dragojlo for his ourageously and professionally investigating and informing the public about important topics of general interest for years.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Jelena Zoric for her series of stories about a psychiatrist who has been recording false diagnoses into his patients’ medical records for the clinical trial, and about the role that Serbian state institutions played in this trial.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Sasa Dragojlo for the investigation “Serbian Rockets Sent to Myanmar Even After 2021 Coup”, on which he was working with Marija Ristic, Dina Djordjevic and Jovana Tomic.
Stanislav Stasa Marinkovic Award – Serbia
Award: the prestigious award by the daily newspaper Danas
Winner: BIRN Serbia for journalistic courage and achievements in investigative and analytical reporting.
Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award – Serbia
Award: prestigious award in the online media category
Winner: Radmilo Markovic for his multimedia investigation “Illegally Legalised: The Corruption Involved in Building Belgrade.”
Hero Harmony Award – The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
Award: prize for education and research
Winner: Antigona Isufi for her article “Love divided: Kosovo-Serbian Couple Struggle to Build a Home in Disapproving Society.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Kreshnik Gashi for his series “Purchase of the Chief Prosecutor.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: best TV story of the year
Winner: Behar Mustafa for his TV series “Brezovica Dossier.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: best TV story of the year
Winner: Valon Fana for his story “Trepça During Kurti Government.”
The Coalition of NGOs for child protection in Kosovo – KOMF, annual award
Award: in the field of children’s protection
Winner: Adelina Ahmeti for her story “Sex Crime File: How the Accused of Sexual Assault of a Student Was Released.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Anila Hoxha for her investigation “‘State Secret’: The Inglorious History of the Degradation of the Albanian Air Fleet.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Kreshnik Gashi for his series “Purchase of the Chief Prosecutor.”
Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania, annual award
Award: Best media advocacy journalism for nature conservation
Winner: Blerina Gjoka for her story “In Rush to Profit, Albania Puts Protected Coastal Areas as Risk.”
Peaceful Change Initiative Award
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Serbeze Haxhiaj and Milica Stojanovic for their story “Serb Monastery Shelters Kosovo Albanians.”
Peaceful Change Initiative Award
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj for her story “Serb Saves Albanian Neighbours in Kosovo.”
Peaceful Change Initiative Award
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj for her story “Serb Saves Albanian Neighbours in Kosovo.”
Peaceful Change Initiative Award
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Bubulina Peni and Ardona Popova for their story “Coexistence between Serb and Albanian Youth.”
Peaceful Change Initiative Award
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Shkelqim Xhaqkaj for his story “At a Village Market, Kosovo’s Ethnic Tensions Fade Away.”
2022
UNICEF’s contest for the best media contribution to the promotion and protection of children’s rights – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Special recognition
Winner: Emina Dizdarevic for her analysis “Experts Warn that New History Textbook in Tuzla Deepens Divisions.”
Winner: Jasmin Begic for his analysis “Central Bosnia Canton Does not Respect Verdict on Abolishing Segregation in Schools.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Sasa Dragojlo for his investigation “People Smuggling: Money, Violence, and Ties to the Security Services.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Aleksandar Djordjevic and Miodrag Markovic for a series of stories on corrupt mechanisms in the electric power industry of Serbia.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Kreshnik Gashi, Visar Prebreza and Bahar Mustafa for a series of stories: “The Justice on the Market”, “The North File”, “The Link Between the Company Which is on US Blacklist and the Investments in Ulcinj” and “Racketeers File: The Judge Negotiates the Case.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Klodiana Lala for her story “Albanian Crime Story: Hostage to the Cocaine Supply Chain.”
The Memorial Fund – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Certificate of Appreciation
Winner: BIRN BiH for its contribution to raising awareness of the importance of the culture of memory.
Peaceful Change Initiative Award
Award: 2nd prize for the best stories about inter-ethnic coexistence
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj for her article “‘We are All Human’: Kosovo Albanian’s Generosity Sustains Elderly Serb.”
2021
International Fetisov Journalism Award
Award: 2nd prize in the Outstanding Contribution to Peace category
Winners: Haris Rovcanin and Albina Sorguc for the series of articles: “Bosnian Serb Military Police Chiefs Never Charged with Srebrenica Killings”, “Serb Chetniks’ Links to War Criminals and Extremists Uncovered”, “28 Years on, Families still Searching for Missing Bosnian Soldiers” and “BIRN Fact Check: Is the Bosnian Serb Report on the Sarajevo Siege Accurate?”.
Speak Up for Procurement Award – FOL Movement, Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Valon Fana for his investigation “The Car Under the Ownership of Board Chairperson Purchased by Trafiku Urban Enterprise.”
Speak Up for Procurement Awards – FOL Movement, Kosovo
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Egzon Dahsyla for his investigation “€460,000 was not enough for the Municipality of Gjakova to clean a landfill.”
2021
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Dzana Brkanic for story “Murky Bosnian Charity Appeals for African Wells Raise Concerns.”
NGO Çohu – Environmental awards – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Egzon Dahsyla for his story “Illegal burning continues, and the state has failed to treat discarded tires, even though they are recyclable.”
NGO Çohu – Environmental awards – Kosovo
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Antigona Isufi and Blerta Begisholli for their story “Kosovo’s ‘Urban Chaos’ Blamed on Disappearing Greenery.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: Journalist of the Year
Winner: Kastriot Berisha for reporting on the justice sector, which resulted in the launching of criminal investigations and the suspension of a judge.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: Best cameraman
Winner: Denis Sllovinja for his work on filming the story “Pilot since the age of 17.”
CEI SEEMO journalism awards
Award: Special mention
Winner: Nermina Kuloglija (BIRN BiH) for dedicated work on monitoring public procurement during the coronavirus pandemic.
Irish Food Writing Awards
Award: Investigative Writing on Food Award
Winner: Niall Sargeant for an investigation by BIRN and Noteworthy, “Irish Dream Turns to ‘Nightmare’ for Eastern European Seasonal Workers.”
OSCE Presence in Albania – Investigative journalism competition
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Anila Hoxha for her investigation “PPP Sterilisation Contract Costs Healthcare System Dearly.”
The Albanian Journalists Union – Albania
Award: best reporting
Winner: Jerola Ziaj for the investigation “How Millions of Euros in Land in Dhërmi Were Stolen Through State Offices.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Sasa Dragojlo and Dragana Peco (KRIK) for their story “Folic’s New Business with Old Acquaintances.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Natalija Jovanovic for her story “Serbia Under-Reported COVID-19 Deaths and Infections, Data Shows.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Anila Hoxha and Esmeralda Keta for their story “Albanian Govt Accused of Manipulating Pandemic Aid Data.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Geri Emiri for the series of investigative stories into the 2019 earthquake in Albania.
Association of Journalists and Media Workers – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Plaque
Winner: Denis Dzidic for his commitment to monitoring and reporting on war crimes cases and topics related to dealing with the past.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Kreshnik Gashi and Adelina Ahmeti for their story about illegal gambling in the village of Karaçeva.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Jeta Xharra and Visar Prebreza for their investigative story “Unclean energy: A Kosovar who owned the sun.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Montenegro
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Sasa Dragojlo, Vladimir Orskovic and Marko Vesovic for their investigative story “Son of Fugitive Ex-President Builds Raspberry Fortune in Serbia.”
Speak Up for Procurement Awards – FOL Movement – Kosovo
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Valon Fana and Vyrtyte Gervalla for their story “Municipality led by Gazmend Muhaxheri provides a tender for the family of Ramiz Kelmendi.”
Speak Up for Procurement Awards – FOL Movement – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Dorentina Kastrati for her investigation “The scheme that guaranteed a tender of around 400,000 euros for the Minister of Trade and Industry’s brother.”
The Dejan Anastasijevic Investigative Award – Serbia
Award: 1st prize in the online media category
Winner: Natalija Jovanovic for the report “Serbia Under-Reported COVID-19 Deaths and Infections, Data Shows.”
The Center for Civic Education – Montenegro
Award: 1st prize for the best investigative story
Winner: Mustafa Canka for the report “Beneath the Surface: Adriatic Beach Waste Just “Tip of the Iceberg”.”
The OSCE Presence – Albania
Award: The best investigative story
Winners: Rashela Shehu and Fiori Sinoruka for their report ‘“Lack of Scientific Research Leaves Albania in Ruins.”
Dialogue for the Future, DFF: Fostering Dialogue and Social Cohesion – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: for tackling the topical issue of foreign influences on the Balkans
Winner: Mladen Obrenovic for his article “Under Cossack Banner, Russian Ties with Balkan Fighters Strengthened.”
2020
KOMF, Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – Kosovo
Award: for journalism on social and child protection
Winner: Behar Mustafa for his TV reportage “Smuggling Children to Italy.”
Winner: Freelance journalist Agon Sinanaj was awarded for his feature story “If We Gave Up, What Would Happen to My Children?” for Prishtina Insight, which was also published on BIRN’s KALLXO.com.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Jelena Veljkovic and Aleksandar Djordjevic for the series of articles about the so-called Krusik affair.
EU Investigative Journalism Awards – Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj for her investigation “Kosovo’s Invisible Children: The Secret Legacy of Wartime Rape.”
Kreshnik Gashi and Aferdita Fejzullahu of BIRN Kosovo were awarded third place for their story, “Network of AAK family companies, concrete the highway Prishtina-Gjilan.”
EU Investigative Journalism Awards – Kosovo
Award: 3rd prize
Winners: Kreshnik Gashi and Aferdita Fejzullahu for their story “Network of AAK family companies, concrete the highway Prishtina-Gjilan.”
Human Rights House Award – Serbia
Award: for outstanding commitment to the protection, respect and promotion of human rights
Winner: Natalija Jovanovic for her investigative story “Serbia Under-Reported COVID-19 Deaths and Infections, Data Shows.”
International Chamber of Commerce – Albania
Award: Integrity Award
Winner: BIRN Albania for enabling high-quality investigative journalism, full coverage and neutrality of current events in the country.
EU Investigative Journalism Awards – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Semir Mujkic for his series of articles on Russian influence in the country.
The Srdjan Aleksic Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Category of nominations by journalists
Winner: Emina Dizdarevic for her three articles on the challenges facing marginalised groups in Bosnian society.
UNICEF Awards – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: for contribution to the promotion and protection of children’s rights in the “Internet Work” category
Winner: Azra Husaric for her article “Parents Bear Biggest Burden of Online Classes for Children with Developmental Difficulties.”
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo, annual award
Award: Prize for Economic Journalism
Winners: Visar Prebreza and Jeta Xharra for their investigation “Unclean Energy: The Kosovar who would Own the Sun.”
Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) Award
Award: outstanding merits in investigative journalism
Winner: Natalija Jovanovic, BIRN Serbia, for her story “Serbia Under-Reported COVID-19 Deaths and Infections, Data Shows.”
Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) Award
Award: special mention
Winner: Esmeralda Keta, a contributor to BIRN Albania’s Reporter.al and to Balkan Insight, for investigative stories covering issues related to the coronavirus crisis.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Klodiana Lala, BIRN Albania contributor for her investigative story “Wiretaps Reveal the Role of Organised Crime in Vote Buying.”
Biti Novinar Association – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Nino Catic Journalism Award
Winner: Denis Dzidic for his long-term reporting about the Srebrenica genocide.
European Press Prize – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Special Award
Winner: BIRN BiH for its reporting on war crimes trials, transitional justice issues and the problems faced by victims of the 1990’s conflict.
The Independent Journalists Association of Serbia and the US Embassy in Belgrade – Serbia
Award: The best investigative journalism story
Winners: Jelena Veljkovic and Aleksandar Djordjevic for their series of articles about the father of the Serbian interior minister’s involvement in arms trading.
Reporters Without Borders Austria
Award: Press Freedom Award – A Signal for Europe
Winner: BIRN Network for its courageous investigative journalism in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, and for its dedication to the fight for human rights, democracy and justice for the victims of war crimes.
The Macedonian Media Institute – Macedonia
Award: The best investigative story
Winner: BIRN Macedonia for the story “Alive and Well: The Lucrative Business Club around REK Bitola” by journalist Vlado Apostolov.
BeFem award [a Serbian feminist cultural centre] – Serbia
Award: A Feminist Achievement Award
Winner: Sofija Torodovic, BIRN Hub, for the Free and United Neighbourhood Recognition.
2019
Rexhai Surroi Journalism Prize – Kosovo
Award: The Best Written Work
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj, BIRN Hub’s programme Balkan Transitional Justice for the article “Kosovo’s Invisible Children: The Secret Legacy of Wartime Rape.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Esmeralda Keta and Elisa Gjerani for their investigative article “Premature Baby Deaths Rise in Albania’s Cash-starved Hospitals” created through BIRN Albania’s call for investigative grants.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Ola Mitre for investigative article “The Hidden Costs of Free Cardio Surgeries in Private Hospitals” created through BIRN Albania’s call for investigative grants.
The Srdjan Aleksic Journalist Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Special plaque
Winner: BIRN BiH for continuous professional reporting.
Cohu, the anti-corruption and good governance NGO – Kosovo
Award: Environmental awards
Winners: Koha Ditore journalist Besnik Krasniq; RTK journalist Edona Musa; Drenushe Ramadani, a journalist from BIRN Kosovo’s site Kallxo.com for three journalistic pieces all supported by BIRN.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Milos Stanic, an alumnus of BIRN’s Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence programme, BIRN Hub, for his investigative article “Toxic Taps: Arsenic in Water Stirs Cancer Fears.”
The Central European Initiative (CEI) and South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) Award for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism
Award: Young Professional Journalists category
Winner: Arlis Alikaj, an alumnus of BIRN’s Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence programme, BIRN Hub for the investigative article “Chainsaw Gangs: The Plunder of Albania’s Ancient Forests.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj for her investigative article “Kosovo’s Political Murders: Unpunished, Not Forgotten.”
The Balkan Film Food Festival – Albania
Award: Fatos Baxhaku Prize for best documentary
Winner: Elton Baxhaku, BIRN Albania, for the documentary “Free Flow.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Semir Mujkic for his Corruption in Public Procurements series (link, link, link).
The Macedonian National Council of the International Council of Museums – Macedonia
Award: For raising awareness about the poor condition of cultural heritage in the country
Winner: Goce Trpkovski for his story “North Macedonia Leaves Priceless Heritage at Risk.”
The Stanislav Marinkovic award – Serbia
Award: for journalistic courage and special achievements in research and analytical journalism
Winner: Slobodan Georgiev for his overall work.
The White Dove Award – Partners Albania for Change and Development – Albania
Award: for investigative reporting
Winner: BIRN Albania for the civil courage, professionalism and objectivity shown with investigative reports with a wide public impact.
The South East Europe Coalition of Whistleblower Protection – Albania
Award: Free Speech Award
Winner: Klodiana Lala, a journalist for Albania’s News 24, for a story “Wiretaps reveal the role of organized crime in vote buying” she produced using a BIRN reporting grant.
The Independent Journalists Association of Serbia and the US Embassy in Belgrade – Serbia
Award: The Best Investigative Journalism Story
Winner: Jelena Veljkovic for her series of research articles about illegal construction work on Mount Golija.
2018
Awarding body: ACCOUNT – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Best multimedia investigation into corruption
Winner: Semir Mujkic for his investigation “Counterfeit certificates for the purchase of safe children’s goals, claims Spanish company.”
Belgrade International Green Culture Festival, Green Fest – Serbia
Award: Best Serbian film
Winners: Dragan Gmizic, BIRN Serbia, Al Jazeera Balkans and WWF Adria, co-producers, for their film “The Dark Shadow of Green Energy.”
Network for Affirmation of the NGO Sector [MANS, Montenegro] – Montenegro
Award: best story using freedom of information requests
Winner: Sanja Rasovic, BIRN Hub, freelance journalist, for her story “Local Chiefs’ Financial Abuses Blight Montenegrin Costal Town.”
KOMF, Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – Kosovo
Award: best reporting on the rights of children in Kosovo
Winner: Emirjeta Vllahiu for the article “The 10 euro bonus does not cover essential expenses for raising children.”
KOMF, Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – Kosovo
Award: best reporting on the rights of children in Kosovo
Winners: Agnesa Citaku, Ertan Galushi, Mergim Rudari, Fatjona Mani, and Valon Fana for their story “Between the desire and inability to get an education.”
KOMF, Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – Kosovo
Award: best reporting on the rights of children in Kosovo
Winner: Festim Kabashi, RTK journalist, for the TV story “Punishment,” supported by the EU Office in Kosovo and produced by BIRN.
The Nikola Mladenov Award for investigative reporting – Macedonia
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: BIRN Macedonia for the database on foreign investments announced by the Macedonian government from 2007 to 2016.
Serbian Contemporary Short and Documentary Film Festival – Washington, USA
Award: Audience’s award
Winners: Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina and BIRN Kosovo for the documentary “Kosovo… Nazdravlje! Gëzuar!”
2017
Global Investigative Journalism Network, GIJN
Award: Special recognition, certificate of excellence
Winners: BIRN Hub and BIRN Kosovo for the investigation “Making a Killing: The 1.2 Billion Euro Arms Pipeline to Middle East.”
UN Kosovo and the Kosovo Journalists’ Association, AGK
Award: Kosovo Journalism Poverty Prize
Winner: Serbeze Haxhiaj for her story “The Enduring Agony of Wartime Rape in Kosovo.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association, AGK, and German Corporation for International Cooperation, GIZ – Kosovo
Award: Best story on education
Winner: Doruntia Baliu for her story “The Silence on Falsifying Grades.”
Forum on the Arms Trade [network of civil society experts, managed from Washington]
Award: Best article
Winners: BIRN Hub and BIRN Kosovo, for the investigation “The Pentagon’s $2.2 Billion Soviet Arms Pipeline Flooding Syria.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: Best article by a young investigative journalist
Winner: Elvis Nabolli, BIRN Hub, a 2016 fellow of the Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence, for his story “An Albanian War on Drugs.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Macedonia
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Aleksandar Dimitrievski for the Database on agricultural subsidies in Macedonia.
EU Investigative Journalism Awards – Serbia
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Dragan Gmizic for the documentary “Flatland without Birds?”
Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia
Award: best investigations in print media
Winner: Jelena Veljkovic for the story “The Secret of Vucic’s Tavern.”
Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia
Award: best investigation in online media
Winner: BIRN Hub and BIRN Kosovo for the investigation “Making a Killing: The 1.2 Billion Euro Arms Pipelines to Middle East.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Jeta Xharra, BIRN Kosovo, and Faik Ispahiu, Internews Kosovo, for the story “The Organised Tax Fraud.”
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
Award: Yasar Erebara award
Winner: Vlado Apostolov for three investigative articles on properties linked to the former chair of the Council in the Skopje Municipality of Centre.
2016
The Nikola Mladenov award – Macedonia
Award: Best investigative reporting
Winner: BIRN Macedonia for the database “Skopje 2014 Uncovered.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Aleksandar Djordjevic for his investigation “Draining the Mine and the Budget.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Serbia
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: BIRN Hub and BIRN Kosovo for their investigation “Veselinovic-linked Consortium Bags 75m Dollar Contract in Secret Deal.”
Independent Association of Serbian Journalists and the US Embassy – Serbia
Award: Best investigative story in print media
Winner: Aleksandar Djordjevic for his article on Belgrade Business School, which, under pressure from officials, unlawfully lent 7 million euros to indebted companies that were unlikely to repay the money.
South East European Film Festival, Los Angeles
Award: Best short documentary
Winner: Marija Ristic, BIRN Hub, for her movie “The Unidentified.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Leonard Bakillari for his story “Albanian Judges’ Wealth Escapes Scrutiny.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Macedonia
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Boris Georgievski for a series of investigations, “Dossier Telecom.”
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Macedonia
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: BIRN Macedonia for the database Skopje 2014 Uncovered.
EU Investigative Journalism Awards – Kosovo
Award: 2nd prize
Winner: Parim Olluri for the story “The Friend of Lushtaku Benefits From Vala.”
Belgrade International Green Culture Festival, Green Fest – Serbia
Award: best Serbian film
Winner: Dragan Gmizic for his documentary “Flatland without Birds?”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association, UNDP in Kosovo, Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency
Award: Best anti-corruption story on TV
Winner: Naim Krasniqi for “The Wrong Lunch.”
Central European Initiative and the South East Europe Media Organisation, CEI SEEMO
Award: Best investigations on corruption and organised crime
Winner: Lindita Cela, BIRN Albania, for her overall work.
2015
Independent Association of Serbian Journalists – Serbia
Award: Jug Grizelj prize for contribution to investigative work.
Winner: BIRN Serbia for its overall work.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 1st prize
Winners: Aleksandra Bogdani and Flamur Vezaj for their articles on the recruitment of Albanians to fight for radical Islamists in Syria.
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Albania
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Besar Likmeta for his investigation “Lobby Firm Behind Campaign to Smear Albanian Socialist.”
CEI SEEMO
Award: Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism
Winner: Aleksandra Bogdani, BIRN Albania, for her overall work.
Union of Albanian Journalists
Award: Vangjush Gambeta Award
Winner: Amire Qamili, BIRN Kosovo, for his story “Isa Mustafa’s Sons Win Tenders of the Prime Minister’s Office.”
Association of Journalists of Mitrovica – Kosovo
Award: Best Journalist
Winner: Behar Mustafa
Association of Journalists of Mitrovica – Kosovo
Award: Best Cameraperson
Winner: Naser Fejza
EU Investigative Journalism Award – Kosovo
Award: 2nd prize
Winners: Jeta Xharra, BIRN Kosovo, and Kallxo.com team for “Scandals of Doctors with Stents.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association
Award: Best Culture Story
Winner: BIRN Kosovo
Kosovo Journalists’ Association
Award: Best Reportage
Winner: BIRN Kosovo
Kosovo Journalists’ Association
Award: Best Filming
Winner: BIRN Kosovo
Independent Association of Serbian Journalists and the US Embassy – Serbia
Award: Best investigative journalism in the print media
Winner: Slobodan Georgiev for his investigation “Discovering the Secret of the Minister’s safe.”
2014
Independent Association of Serbian Journalists and the US Embassy – Serbia
Award: Best investigative journalism in print media
Winners: Slobodan Georgiev and Aleksandar Djordjevic for “Marketing Stars in the Political Field.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association and UNDP in Kosovo
Award: Best Cultural Article
Winner: Kaltrina Rexhepi for her story “Irregular Business Burden to Inheritance.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association and UNDP Kosovo
Award: Best online investigative journalism about poverty
Winners: Nektar Zogjani and Tinka Kurti for their story “Misery of the Reconciliation Field Camp.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association and UNDP Kosovo
Award: Best online anti-corruption story
Winners: Parim Olluri and Petrit Collaku for their article “The Negotiated Million.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association and UNDP Kosovo
Award: Best story in the TV category
Winner: Kreshnik Gashi for “Besimi Does Not Go to Jail.”
2013
Best TV Journalism Award – UN Women and the Security and Gender Equality group in Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Jeta Xharra for “Programme on the Kosovo film director Blerta Zeqiri.”
Independent Association of Serbian Journalists and US Embassy – Serbia
Award: Best investigative journalism in the online media
Winner: Slobodan Georgiev, BIRN Serbia, and CINS Serbia for “To BusPlus Through the Holes in The System.”
Best Report on Poverty Award – Kosovo Journalists’ Association and UNDP Kosovo
Award: 1st prize
Winner: Kaltrina Rexhepi for “Collective Apartments in Magura Have No Access to Water.”
Kosovo Journalists’ Association
Awards: Three investigative journalism awards, including ‘Best Journalist of 2012’.
Winners: BIRN Kosovo’s “Jeta ne Kosove” team.
Academic Association for Contemporary European Studies
Award: honours excellence in reporting on the European Union in the English-speaking media
Winner: Sorana Stanescu, BIRN Hub, an alumna from the 2012 Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence programme, for “Cheap, and Far from Free: the Migrants Building Britain.”
Best Educational Reporting Award – German Society for International Cooperation, GIZ, and Kosovo Journalists’ Association
Award: 3rd prize
Winner: Bardh Shkreli for “University of Pristina With No Inventions.”
2012
Dr Erhard Busek Award – South East Europe Media Organisation, SEEMO
Award: Better Understanding in South East Europe
Winner: Jeta Xharra for her overall work.
Kosovo Journalists’ Association, Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency, UNDP
Award: Best anti-corruption journalism
Winner: BIRN Kosovo investigative team for its overall work.
UNICEF – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award: Outstanding contribution to journalism
Winner: Eldin Hadzovic, BIRN Hub, an alumnus of BIRN’s Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence, for “Abandoned Twice: Bosnia’s Orphans Left in the Lurch.”
2010
Kosovo Journalists’ Association and Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency
Award: 1st prize for the anti-corruption work in the category of television and online journalism
Winner: BIRN Kosovo investigative team for an investigation into misuse of government tenders for roads in Kosovo and into allegations of corruption in the Kosovo’s Ministry of Transport and Communications.
2009
Central European Initiative, CEI, and South East Europe Media Organisation, SEEMO
Award: outstanding merits in investigative Journalism
Winner: Besar Likmeta, BIRN Albania Editor, for his overall work.
2007
Kosovo Journalists’ Association
Award: Best story
Winners: Krenar Gashi and BIRN Kosovo’s investigative team for the story “Ex-Policemen Run Kosovo Passport Scam.”
Romanian government’s Department for Interethnic Relations and National Agency for Roma and the Ethnic Relations project
Awards: Three different diplomas and awards
Winner: BIRN Romania for fair reporting on ethnic issues.
2006
Romanian Center for Resources for Roma Communities
Award: Honorary mentions in a journalism contest
Winner: BIRN Romania contributors for their fair reporting on Roma issues.