Category: News and Events

First prize of €3,000 was awarded to Zuza Nazaruk, a journalist from Poland currently based in the Netherlands, for her compelling story on the escalating crisis in the Białowieża Forest. The story examines how this UNESCO World Heritage site is being transformed into a militarised zone, where environmental degradation, heightened military presence, and migration converge. Through vivid reporting, Nazaruk reveals how thousands of migrants and soldiers are clashing in a forest once celebrated for its rich biodiversity, now caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.

Jury member, and a correspondent for the Austrian daily, Der Standard, Adelheid Wölfl said: “Zuza Nazaruk shows the impact of geopolitical battles on the vulnerable and abused. She sheds light on those invisible in the thicket and portrays colourfully parts of our nature: plants, animals, and humans. She not only shows how much money and effort is spent in today’s Europe on preventing migration, but also the impact this has on our ecosystem. Zuza Nazaruk proves that we need journalism that gives a voice to those we cannot hear, and simultaneously safeguards something we all need: dignity.”

The second award of €2,000 went to Greek journalists Ioanna Louloudi and Paschalina Kapetaniou for their investigation into the Greek state’s repeated failure to accept responsibility and deliver justice to victims of police brutality, accidents, and disasters. Despite existing laws that mandate state compensation, the authorities frequently appeal rulings and prolong legal proceedings, forcing citizens into years-long battles for recognition and redress. Their story highlights the frustration and mistrust that this persistent denial of accountability fosters among the public.

“It is a Kafkaesque story, which happens now, in a democracy, where paradoxically the state fights against its citizens. It is a story about a human battle for dignity and civil rights,” said the jury member and Director of the Albanian Media Institute, Remzi Lani.

The third award of €1,000 went to Zuzana Vlasata from the Czech Republic for her story about a toxic leak on a Czech river. Her report shows how a factory linked to former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš should have been a prime suspect over the incident, but evaded official scrutiny. Jury member and editor at Bellingcat, Gyula Csák, said: “Zuzana Vlasata’s powerful and engaging investigative piece demonstrates state capture and systemic failure through the story of a factory accident in the Czech Republic.”

The ceremony marked the conclusion of the 2023 edition of the Fellowship.

In addition to jury members Adelheid Wölfl, Remzi Lani and Gyula Csák, this year’s panel included Milorad Ivanović, representing the FJE alumni network; Florian Hassel, Central and Eastern Europe correspondent for the German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung; Elena Panagiotidis, editor at the Swiss daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung; and Kristof Bender, deputy chairman of the European Stability Initiative.

With the end of this year’s programme, seven fellows join the FJE alumni network – consisting of more than 150 journalists from 14 Central and Eastern European countries who promote the highest standards of professional journalism.

Launched in 2007, the Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence is now in its eighteenth year. The programme fosters professional growth, cross-border cooperation, and in-depth reporting on key issues across central, eastern and south-eastern Europe. Each year, ten fellows receive financial and editorial support to develop long-form stories on complex regional and European topics.

The Fellowship is implemented by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and supported by ERSTE Foundation.

Her professional path has taken her from art history and pedagogy through working with several non-governmental organisations, cultural and creative industries projects, and strengthening local self-government to her current position in the BIRN Hub. So, how did she manage all these positions?

Let’s meet her!

Aida’s academic background in Art History and Pedagogy from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, shaped the foundation of her interest in how culture, memory, and narrative intertwine. She worked as a curator at Gallery 11/07/95, a memorial gallery dedicated to the memory of the Srebrenica genocide.

“It was there that I encountered the power of war photography through permanent and temporary exhibitions by renowned photojournalists such as Ron Haviv, Narciso Contreras, and Paul Lowe, whose work has shaped how the world sees and remembers the war. These exhibitions were not merely artistic displays—they were testimonies. They revealed to me how photojournalism, particularly war photography, operates at the intersection of art, truth, and justice. On one hand, such images preserve historical facts; on the other, they restore voice and presence to those who were silenced”, Aida explains.

This experience profoundly influenced her understanding of journalism as an active force in memory-making and truth-telling. After her time at the gallery, she worked with several non-governmental organisations on projects related to cultural and creative industries and the empowerment of local communities.

“At the same time, I tried my hand at journalism, exploring one of its many forms. However, I soon (and perhaps just in time) discovered that what resonates more deeply with me is supporting and empowering journalists—those who seek to deepen their knowledge, expand their skills, and explore new tools. I began writing articles focused on practical techniques and digital tools that journalists can use in their everyday work. The aim was not only to share useful resources, but to contribute, however modestly, to raising the overall quality of media content and building the competencies that a resilient, responsible journalism requires”, says Tinjak.

Joining BIRN felt like a natural progression for her. It allowed Aida to continue engaging with narratives that matter, with investigative journalism’s added urgency and responsibility:

“I believe that journalism and art are united by a shared impulse—to communicate, to preserve memory, and to question the world around us. Both serve as powerful tools for challenging oppressive systems and amplifying silenced voices, pushing boundaries and standing as unwavering beacons of truth in a world that often seeks to suppress them.” 

When she joined BIRN Hub as a Project/Programme Assistant in 2021, she expected hard work, persistence, and the need to grow into the responsibilities ahead.

”And that’s exactly what awaited me. The road wasn’t without its challenges, but each experience has left valuable lessons that have shaped my professional path. What I hadn’t dared to expect was the depth of connection within the team. It’s the people who make me proud to be part of BIRN—their trust, support, and understanding make every challenge easier and every success more meaningful”, explains Aida.

Now, as a Grants and Project Coordinator at BIRN Hub, her work revolves around coordinating and implementing project activities, and overseeing and managing the grant-making process. In practice, that means a great deal of communication, mostly with journalists who are grant recipients, and quite a bit of administration.

“What makes the role truly rewarding is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with journalists from different countries (even if mostly online), to read their story proposals, and to hear fresh, often powerful ideas. It makes me happy to be, even in a small way, part of the journey that leads to the production of those stories. The job requires solid organisational skills, which I’ve come to value more and more over time. I believe that when things are well structured from the start, it’s easier to navigate the unexpected. While plans sometimes shift and circumstances change, having a reliable structure in place helps me adapt and keep things moving”, says Aida.

One of the BIRN programmes Aida works on is the Fellowship of Journalistic Excellence, which covers a region spanning 14 countries, from Poland and the Czech Republic to Greece and Romania. It has been running since 2007, and more than 150 leading regional journalists have participated. The ERSTE Foundation co-funded it.

“The programme begins with a kick-off seminar in Vienna, where selected fellows from across the region meet, exchange ideas, and begin shaping their stories under the guidance of an editor. This is followed by a months-long process of research, reporting, writing, and revising, resulting in some truly exceptional stories. Many of these stories have been recognised with prestigious awards, which serve as a testament to the programme’s ability to nurture high-quality journalism in the region.

What truly stands out is that the programme doesn’t end once the story is published. Fellows who complete the programme join an expanding alumni network that offers a wealth of opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing. This network plays a key role in enhancing professional growth and strengthening cross-border journalistic ties”, explains Tinjak.

BIRN is currently working on enhancing the programme’s website, which will feature some new additions, such as an alumni directory—a dynamic database where fellows can connect and showcase their professional biographies. In addition, BIRN will launch a Fellowship podcast series, designed to promote the programme’s brand and delve into the significance of long-form journalism.

Reporting Democracy is another BIRN project Aida works on, and is also supported by the ERSTE Foundation. It is focused on leveraging independent journalism to critically examine the issues shaping the future of democracy in Central, Eastern, and Southeast Europe. It has a network of regional correspondents and publishes a bi-weekly review of key democratic developments — the Twice podcast (Two Weeks in Central Europe).

“Reporting Democracy supports journalists in a variety of ways, including accepting pitches on a rolling basis, commissioning stories, and offering grants. These grants include those provided through the Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence, as well as the Travel and Reporting Programme, which funds journalists from the Visegrad region (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia) to carry out field research and report on Balkan-related stories. In addition, we periodically offer grants for journalists from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, along with Fellowship Alumni grants available to members of the Fellowship alumni network”, said Tinjak.

In the end, we’re returning to the beginning of our story. Art history and museums’ educational functions remain Aida’s passions, but have evolved over time, although their essence remains unchanged:

“I see it as a continuous thread—quietly reminding me that there is always more to explore and uncover, and that growth often lies just beyond the familiar boundaries. I believe that a diversity of experiences and knowledge is what shapes and strengthens us, preparing us for whatever lies ahead.”

She also continued with her education, becoming a Certified New Media Designer a few years ago. Recently, she’s been revisiting that field, refreshing what she’s learned. After the work is done, Aida has her favourite activities during her spare time:

“I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends—whether that means hiking, catching a live gig, seeing a play, taking a shot at a pub quiz (with more enthusiasm than correct answers ☺ ), or simply going for a walk (and pretending it counts as exercise ☺ ). At other times, it’s about embracing stillness—giving myself and my thoughts the space to pause, regroup, and recharge for whatever comes next.”

We specifically welcome applications from Turkey to explore the particular dynamic and evolving context in terms of digital rights and freedoms. Current policy and legislative framework in this field in the region is underdeveloped and/or obsolete. It fails to address existing challenges, let alone anticipate changes driven by the fast-changing world of technology. The aim is to identify existing regional policies that do not meet international standards and require significant changes, as well as highlight missing policies that need to be developed. These papers should offer structured, multi-sectoral approaches to identifying needs and opportunities for policy change and propose recommendations to prevent violations of digital rights.

Role Overview

BIRN is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or groups of individuals to develop a comprehensive policy paper on digital rights. The selected experts will be responsible for proposing relevant topics for the paper, conducting thorough analyses, engaging with stakeholders, and developing the policy paper. Their work will focus on providing recommendations to enhance digital rights governance, address policy gaps, and align policies with international standards.

This role requires a multi-sectoral approach, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the needs of all stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including journalists, researchers, activists, academics, industry players, vulnerable groups as well as decision makers. Furthermore, the selected experts will work closely with the BIRN team to incorporate insights from previous findings and monitoring cases into their work.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct Desk Research: The expert will conduct desk research on digital rights issues, regional policies and the legislative framework relevant to the proposed theme. This includes reviews of existing regional and international frameworks related to digital rights and analysis of different regional case studies. The expert will analyse gaps, identify weaknesses and challenges within the current landscape, offering in-depth analysis to support further advancements in this field.
• Conduct Interviews with Relevant Stakeholders: The expert will engage with all relevant stakeholders to gather necessary insights, which will serve to address the identified needs based on the feedback received and to incorporate them into the paper.
• Develop the Policy Paper: The expert will develop the policy paper, ensuring it is structured, evidence-based and clearly understandable for all stakeholders. It is essential that the policy paper includes realistic and feasible recommendations, such as proposing specific amendments, new policies or legislative frameworks that can enhance digital rights protections to prevent digital rights violations in the region. Additionally, the policy paper must be grounded in international human rights standards, while being tailored to the specific context of the region.

Timeline

Work on this assignment shall start in June 2025.

Remuneration

The compensation for each Policy Paper may reach a maximum of 1,000 EUR.

Eligibility Criteria and Offer Evaluations

Applicants should have a proven experience in digital rights research, policy analysis, as well as strong understanding of digital rights. Also, applicants should demonstrate ability to produce high-quality policy papers or similar reports.

Selection Criteria:

Selection Criteria	Points
Work Experience: proven experience in digital rights research and/or policy research with strong understanding of digital rights concepts	40 points
Proposed topic: relevance, clarity and feasibility of the proposed topic, demonstrating originality	40 points
Cost: Reasonable and lowest pricing in relation to the proposed Scope of Work	20 points

Offer Submission

To submit the offer, you must sign and complete Annex I – Procurement Form, Content Offer, Financial Form and Annex 2 – Declaration for Responsible Procurement. The Request for Quotes, along with the Annexes, can be downloaded here.

The complete offer with both Annexes filled and your CV must be returned to [email protected] by June 15, 2025 at 23:59 CET with the subject line: RfQ: Digital Rights Policy Paper Development.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

From April 28 to 30, a regional journalism camp was held in Sarajevo, focusing on legally safe reporting, crisis journalism and digital security. The three-day training brought together 25 journalists from across the Western Balkans, providing them with essential tools to navigate a complex and increasingly hostile media landscape.

Participants engaged in dynamic hands-on training sessions, expert-led panel discussions and interactive risk assessment exercises. The sessions offered practical knowledge in legally safe reporting, coverage of crises such as protests and elections and strategies to defend themselves against digital surveillance and censorship.

The training was led by three international safety experts, Sharbil Nammour, Russ Draycott and Michael Buddle, in collaboration with the ACOS Alliance.

Sessions focused on risk assessment and building real-world resilience, emphasizing both physical preparedness and digital threat mitigation.

“Our approach is very much hands-on,” Draycott said. “This is real-world training. We’re getting delegates out of their seats, onto the floor, and teaching life-saving medical skills. These experiences prepare journalists for the real problems they face today.”

Journalists in the region frequently face defamation in tabloid and social media, alongside challenges in maintaining both digital and personal safety. The camp addressed these risks through a cross-sectoral approach, drawing on expertise from multiple fields. With such training, journalist are better prepared to find interesting and hard-reaching stories.

“Sometimes these stories bring them in to conflict and even danger and what we are trying to do is to make them understand and have tools to mitigate those dangers and threats against them, whether they are personal, security or digital. Medical training is a great life skill and something that will hopefully make them feel better to cope with anything they deal with,” Draycott added.

One of the highlights was the presentation of the new BIRN report, “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans.”

The findings, presented by Megi Reçi, BIRN’s Digital Rights Research Lead, paint a troubling picture. The report reveals that governments in the region are increasingly leveraging technology to suppress dissent, censor online content, restrict access to digital platforms and carry out both mass and targeted surveillance. Read more about it here.

The camp was a joint initiative of the EU-funded project “Strengthening Quality News and Independent Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey II”, the Open Society Foundation-funded project “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans”, and the Austrian Development Agency funded-project “Paper Trail for Better Governance IV”. It was organised by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN).

The training programme has been developed in partnership with A Culture of Safety (ACOS) Alliance. ACOS works to embed a culture of safety within journalism, advance safety standards, and help journalists and newsrooms implement the Freelance Journalist Safety Principles through their safety training initiatives and resources.

The report sheds light on the often-overlooked threat of weapons falling into the wrong hands. States are realising that corruption significantly drives arms diversion, which undermines security, fuels violence and weakens military readiness.

Drawing on 400 cases of arms diversion across 70 countries, the report identifies common corruption schemes and uncovers how weak systems can be corrupted to divert weapons.

BIRN journalist Sasa Dragojlo is one of the panelists at this event, having worked as a consultant on this report. Serbia’s arms trade and corruption issues are often topics of his investigations.

“Serbia has a significant role in the global arms trade. Serbian-made weapons have found their place in many battlefields all over the world, including proxy wars,” he says.

“In that regard, for Serbia’s ruling elites, profits are the most important, as is fostering good relationships with powerful governments – mostly Western, but also those considered allies to Western powers.

“When that is the goal, turning a blind eye on corruption, or diversion of arms that end up in the wrong hands, is a small price to pay,” Dragojlo adds.

Other panelists include Colby Goodman, Senior Researcher; Mario Blanco, Project Coordinator, Transparency International Colombia; Kyrre Knutsen, Senior Adviser, Norwegian Ministry of Defence; Ara Marcen Naval, Independent Consultant, and Sarah Detzner, Independent Consultant, Security Sector Reform and Governance.

The panel will discuss the report’s main findings, share other important insights and suggest actionable steps to improve arms transfer risk assessments and strengthen institutional resilience against corruption.

The panelists will also consider the significance of international cooperation in ensuring that arms trade practices align with the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty, ATT.

This cooperation is essential for promoting transparency and accountability, as well as for reducing the global risks associated with arms diversion.

Register HERE to attend this free online event.