Meet the People Behind BIRN: Vladimir Karaj

Vladimir Karaj has been an editor at BIRN Albania (Reporter.al) since June 2017. Before starting at BIRN, he worked since 2002 for various media outlets as a journalist and editor.

Vladimir also had a stint as the editor-in-chief of a small newspaper. He mainly writes reportages and in-depth stories, predominantly concerning crime and politics. Some stories have marked him, and there are some he sometimes wishes he hadn’t covered because of the scars they left. Despite that, he can’t imagine doing anything else with the same passion and persistence. Recently, he won an EU Award for Investigative Journalism (first prize).

Let’s meet him!

  1. Together with Anesti Barjamemaj, you won the EU Investigative Journalism Awards – first prize for your investigation into environmental crime at the Sharra landfill, exposing toxic waste discharges into the Erzen river. What was working on this investigation like and what were the main obstacles?

How did it all start? Hours of reading official documents, which are typically dull and, more often than not, hold little value for the public. This is a routine part of our work at BIRN. After requesting hundreds of inspection documents from regional offices of the National Environment Agency through FOI requests, we combed through them in search of stories. One of these documents contained details of an inspection conducted at the landfill – a controversial topic in Albania, investigated for years by the Special Prosecution Office. From here, Anesti and I spoke to connected individuals and tried to understand what happened after the inspection and the impact of pollution on the river. The main obstacles in such reporting were the lack of willingness by the authorities to engage or inform the public. For documents that by law should be provided within seven working days, we faced bureaucracy and months of delays.

  1. What does a working day at BIRN Albania look like?

Being part of a small editorial team with colleagues who share the same goals and values is deeply rewarding. We work closely together, fostering a sense of mutual support and shared purpose that is rare in larger newsrooms. The day is filled with discussions, phone calls and hours spent poring over documents and data, all while piecing together stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.

There’s a profound sense of purpose in being part of BIRN in Albania. We know that our work has a tangible impact, both in terms of public awareness and the respect we’ve earned among our readers. The stories we cover are meaningful and frequently provoke public reactions, which reminds us that journalism, even in a small team, can inspire change. It’s this impact, combined with the dedication of the team, that makes the long hours and meticulous work truly fulfilling.

  1. You mainly write reportages and in-depth stories, predominantly concerning crime and politics. Why do you prefer these topics?

It’s not so much a preference as a reality that crime and politics play significant roles in a country like Albania. Both have a deep and pervasive impact on nearly every sector of society, from education and healthcare to environmental issues. Even when you look outside these areas, you often uncover traces of abuse or political negligence because corruption and organised crime are embedded in the very structure of governance and business. This influence seeps into every corner of life, affecting public trust and shaping everyday experiences in ways that are sometimes subtle and other times strikingly overt.

Writing about sports, for example, can easily reveal connections to organised crime and political influence, with cases of match-fixing, money laundering, and favouritism reflecting a broader, ingrained culture of corruption. In countries with high levels of corruption, crime and politics are inescapable – not merely topics of interest but integral forces that shape the economy, social relationships, and the opportunities available to ordinary people. This reality compels journalists like me to focus on these areas, not only to expose the wrongdoings but to help the public understand how deeply rooted these forces are and to bring about some level of accountability.

  1. What would you change if you had a chance to start your career from scratch?

I decided to become a journalist at 17, inspired by a romanticized view of the travel writer, imagining myself uncovering hidden stories. At that age, I saw journalism as a path to adventure, a way to explore unknown places and ideas while sharing them with others. If I were starting over, I’d probably be more rational, choosing this career but with a better understanding of the hard realities it entails – the long hours, the bureaucratic roadblocks, the ethical dilemmas. But even with that more practical view, I don’t think I’d choose a different path.

Over the years, I’ve encountered many stories that, if I had the experience I do now, might have been published and even had an impact. At the beginning of my career, there were investigations that stalled because I wasn’t yet equipped to navigate certain challenges or push back against the roadblocks in my way.

  1. Was there any moment in your career when you thought you should change job to some ‘safer’ profession?

Of course, but not for something safer – I’ve never sought security. There’s a certain drive in journalism that pulls you in, despite the risks and uncertainties. However, there have been moments in my career when I questioned this path, especially after covering events that reveal the darkest sides of humanity. As journalists, we often witness tragedy firsthand and confront raw despair and suffering. These experiences stay with you long after the story is published, leaving an emotional impact that’s hard to shake. There are stories that have marked me, ones I sometimes wish I hadn’t covered because they left scars, moments that haunt you because of the pain and loss they bring into focus.

But despite the moments of doubt, I can’t imagine doing anything else with the same passion and persistence. Journalism has a purpose that’s hard to find elsewhere, and it’s that sense of purpose that keeps me going, even when the job takes an emotional toll.

  1. What would be your message to young aspiring investigative journalists in the Western Balkans region?

It’s hard to encourage someone to choose a job that demands sacrifice and often brings criticism rather than rewards. Journalism can be isolating and challenging, requiring resilience and courage. But the most inspiring message for young journalists comes from seeing impactful work done by those who’ve walked the same path. Knowing others have faced these challenges and still made a difference proves that this work, though difficult, is essential. The reward lies in knowing their efforts contribute to something bigger, inspiring others to keep telling stories that matter.

Open Call for Proposals for CSOs and Media: Society Against Corruption in Montenegro

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and Civic Alliance (CA) announce a new opportunity for local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media outlets in Montenegro. Funded by the US State Department, the initiative seeks to combat corruption, a major impediment to establishing the rule of law in Montenegro.

Background:

Montenegro faces significant challenges related to corruption, impacting its economy and human rights. Despite the government prioritizing the fight against corruption, results are often inadequate, contributing to political instability and societal divisions. The project aims to bridge the gap between citizens, civil society and local media, empowering them to collaboratively identify, report and combat corruption, particularly in healthcare, education and the environment.

Objectives:

  • Strengthen capacities of local media, civil society and citizens to identify and report corruption in education sector.
  • Empower civil society and media to report and counter corruption at national and local levels.
  • Improve constructive engagement between civil society, government and private sector on policies related to education.

Outputs and Activities:

  • For Media Outlets: Cases of corruption in education sector throughout Montenegro identified and revealed though developing factual and objective in-depth articles on education based on the needs of local communities
  • For CSO’s: Improved anti-corruption policies, laws and/or practices in education through developing anti-corruption policy papers based on the needs of local communities
  • Increased public awareness in Montenegro regarding the significance of anti-corruption efforts and the mechanisms for public interaction through enforcing anti-corruption campaign via mainstream and social media

Eligibility and Grants:

  • Maximum grant amount: $12,430.00
  • Number of grants: 6
  • Total estimated amount: $74,580.00
  • No co-financing required from applicants.

Application Process:

  • Eligible entities: Registered CSOs and media outlets in Montenegro.
  • Eligible activities: Development of anti-corruption stories/policy papers, implementation of promotional campaigns, participation in capacity-building initiatives.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Relevance of proposed story/policy paper
  • Capacity
  • Financial proposal
  • Potential and social impact

Timeline:

  • Call issued: October 30, 2024
  • Deadline for submission: November 30, 2024
  • Information session: November 11, 2024 at 11:00 (CET) – attend HERE (Meeting ID: 880 6829 7577, Passcode: 082466)
  • Notification to successful applicants: December 2024

To read the full call to apply, click HERE.

For more details, download the application form and budget template.

Join the fight against corruption in Montenegro – Apply now!

Contacts: Vuk Maraš and Hatidža Gušić at [email protected]

Stay tuned for updates and follow our progress in creating a more transparent and accountable society in Montenegro on BIRN Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

BIRN Investigation Wins Second Prize in Regional EU Award for Best Investigative Journalism 2024

Jury praises Sasa Dragojlo’s investigation into people-smuggling gangs in northern Serbia for shining a spotlight on a previously unreported story of great regional and European significance.

A BIRN investigation into armed people-smugglers in northern Serbia along the “Balkan refugee route” won second prize in the Regional EU Award for Investigative Journalism 2024.

Sasa Dragojlo from Balkan Insight received the award for his investigation, “Albanian-Supplied AKs Fuel Violence on Refugee Route Through Serbia”, at the awards ceremony in Ankara on October 25.

The story probes the role of North African gangs in the traffic and the implications for security across Europe.

“I am really happy about the award because it gives new life to the story. In the poor state of journalism, not just in Serbia but globally, the awards are a sign that our work still matters,” he told BIRN.

“The story I did about the war of people-smuggling gangs in the north of Serbia that took so many lives is one of the most complex stories I ever did and crowns three years of investigative work into this type of underworld,” Dragojlo added.

“Over more than six months of collecting evidence, we could describe not only who the gangs were and how they operate – who their leaders were – but also the local Kosovo Albanian mafia that supplied them with weapons as well as the corruption of Serbian police.

“We had so much evidence that we could name the people responsible, practically making a case for the prosecution. The work on this story was so challenging that I think it changed me not just as a journalist but also as a person – for the better, I think,” Dragojlo continued.

The jury classified BIRN’s article as one of the most methodologically complex examples of investigative journalism in the region, taking into account the amount and variety of evidence collected about armed criminal gangs of foreign origin, as well as the Albanian mafia identified as their main arms suppliers.

The jury concluded that a previously unreported story had put a spotlight on an underworld unknown not just to the wider public but also to the expert community.

Conflicts between smuggling gangs in the north of Serbia have claimed a large number of lives, causing unrest among ordinary refugees but also among the local population.

The jury said the investigation has strong regional importance, since it covers the regional issue of migration, the infamous “Balkan route,” and transnational organised crime from several countries, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, as well as the phenomenon of migrant smuggling gangs of Morrocan and Afghan origin.

According to them it illustrates a broader picture of one of the biggest current structural problems the European continent faces.

Ksenija Pavkov from N1 from Serbia won first prize for her investigation, “Under the Surface: In the Net,” which exposes the hidden layers of criminal networks, revealing collaborations between crime syndicates and corrupt officials.

Vanja Stokic and Ajdin Kamber from e-Trafika from Bosnia and Herzegovina won third prize for their documentary film Brother,” which chronicles the struggles faced by migrants, weaving a poignant tale of loss and displacement.

The film covers 18 locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia revealing more than 50 graves of unidentified refugees and migrants, many of which lack markings. The documentary has received over 30 awards, and an article that was included in the preliminary shortlist for the 2024 European Press Prize.

Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, handed the awarded journalists their certificates, congratulating them and highlighting the importance of investigative journalism.

The jury consisted of Dunja Mijatovic, Drago Hedl, and Can Ertuna.

Mijatovic is a former Commissioner for Human Rights (2018-2024) with previous experience as the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media. Hedl is a seasoned journalist and author who has worked for Radio Free Europe, The Guardian, Time Magazine, and others. Ertuna is an assistant professor at Turkey’s Bahçeşehir University with more than 25 years’ experience, focused on reporting on conflicts and refugee crises for both Turkish and international outlets.

BIRN Webinar: Main Findings of the Global Index on Responsible AI in Southeastern Europe

Join us for an insight-filled webinar on November 12 at 3pm (CET) to hear BIRN researchers discuss the main findings from the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), with a specific focus on southeast Europe.

The event will provide a comprehensive overview of the region’s progress, challenges and best practices in responsible AI, drawing from the Global Index on Responsible AI’s 2024 report.

Sign up here to attend the webinar.

Date: November 12, 2024
Time: 3pm (CET)

Agenda Highlights:

Introduction to the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) – Nicolas Grossman, Globar Center on AI Governance

This segment will introduce GIRAI’s methodology, including the framework, key indicators and benchmarks that measure responsible AI on social, technical and political fronts. Learn how GIRAI tracks and evaluates governmental commitments to ethical AI practices.

Key Findings for Southeast Europe – BIRN Researchers

Explore GIRAI 2024’s critical insights on responsible AI governance in southeast Europe, covering EU countries and the Western Balkans. The presentation will include:

  • Regional analysis of advancements and ongoing challenges.
  • Case studies and success stories from selected countries.
  • Lessons learned in the data collection process and the first edition of the global index.
  • Best practices to foster responsible AI development.

Q&A Session

An open-floor discussion where attendees can pose questions to the panel, deepening their understanding of GIRAI’s findings and their implications for southeast Europe.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts on responsible AI governance and learn about key trends shaping AI policy in southeast Europe. Applications are open until November 12, 10am (CET).

Top Investigative Journalists in Türkiye Receive EU Awards

Four journalists were awarded for remarkable investigations in Türkiye at the EU Investigative Journalism Awards ceremony in Ankara on October 25.

Stories about political killing, misuse of the Red Crescent after the earthquakes in 2023 and bringing children from Brazil’s Amazon forests to Türkiye were awarded as the best investigative stories that year.

Asuman Aranca Kol, Murat Ağırel, Hale Gönülta and Thalys Augusto de Alcantara Anjos were announced as the winners.

First prize went to Asuman Aranca Kol for her investigation into the political murder of Sinan Ateş, exposing the connections between former far-right Grey Wolves (Ülkü Ocaklan) executives, political figures and law enforcement. The jury said the story had uncovered critical details that had kept the case in the public eye and intensified calls for justice.

Second prize was given to Murat Ağırel whose story revealed that, amidst the earthquake crisis, the Turkish Red Crescent sold emergency tents intended for quake victims.

The jury said the story reveals the Red Crescent’s management coordination problems, misuse of resources, and that a charity had effectively turned into a commercial enterprise. The report led to public outrage and the resignation of the Red Crescent’s then president.

Third prize went to Hale Gönülta and Thalys Augusto de Alcantara Anjos for documenting how the Süleymancılar organisation has brought children from Brazil’s Amazon forests to Türkiye, allegedly as part of a way to expand Turkish influence in the country. Following the report, the children were returned to Brazil.

Special recognition was awarded to Tunca Öğreten and Murat Baykara for their impactful, ethical coverage of Türkiye’s drug crisis, shedding light on a hidden yet critical public issue.

The jury consisted of Faruk Bildirici, Çiğdem Toker, and Tülay Ünal Öçten.

Bildirici is a veteran journalist since the 1980s who has held editorial roles at Cumhuriyet and Hürriyet and is a former RTÜK member and currently contributes to outlets including ANKAe and T24. Toker is an investigative journalist with over 35 years of experience, known for her coverage of public procurement, corruption and economic transparency, working at T24 and Now TV. Tülay Ünal Öçten is Ankara bureau chief at Now TV and has had a long career with TRT and Star TV.

Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the European Union’s delegation to Türkiye, gave a speech at the ceremony reconfirming the EU’s support for investigative journalism in the country and internationally.

BIRN Investigation Wins EU Award for Best Investigative Journalism in Bosnia

Jury members praise probe into massive online pyramid scheme as ‘textbook example of good journalism, saying it ‘reads like a crime novel’.

Detektor journalists Nino Bilajac and freelance Selma Ucanbarlic won First Prize in the European Union’s Award for Investigative Journalism for their work on the pyramid scheme of eMagnetix that cost many people their investments.

Bilajac and Ucanbarlic shared the prize with Aljazeera Balkans journalist Arduana Pribinja, who was awarded for the story, “Female Patients’ Accusations of Sexual Harassment in Zenica Hospital”.

During the investigation, “Dream Jobs Become Nightmares for Bosnians Lured By Hungarian’s Online Pyramid Scam”, which was carried out in cooperation with Raskrinkavanje, Detektor infiltrated the scheme and discovered that its organiser had registered fictitious companies in European countries, one of which is already under investigation for fraud.

The jury composed of Nidzara Ahmetasevic, Ozren Kebo and Dragana Dardic called Detektor’s investigative piece “a rarely well-researched story with numerous international and domestic sources – a textbook example of good journalism”.

“The effort invested in organising and explaining all the facts is obvious, and that effort deserves a reward. The combination of several journalistic genres with an innovative approach makes this article read like a crime novel,” Dardic said at the award ceremony in Sarajevo.

She added that everything was supported by statements, field trips, interviews with lawyers, expert findings, and that the story went beyond the borders of Bosnia, following the suspicious operations of the Hungarian tycoon’s company and revealing how he had deceived hundreds of people.

“We hope that this award will make the story more visible not only to the public but also to journalists in the region, and that we will read more stories done in this way,” Dardic said.

Bilajac said almost the entire organization had worked on realizing the investigation, with he and Ucanbarlic as the final authors, because the investigation’s international character required a lot of time, resources and patience.

“Pyramid schemes are hard to stop but I hope that, following this, research, investigative and security agencies will have a little more motivation to prevent .. this type of fraud – and that all those who think they can make money by doing nothing will finally realize that it is impossible and that … in no way can you earn thousands and thousands by clicking on the Internet,” he said.

Ucanbarlic said the story explained how one of the most massive pyramid schemes in the region had developed.

“This is not just a story about this pyramidal scam; this story warns of the dangers of cybercrime that threaten our communities and citizens every day, and therefore it is really important that we continuously report on this topic and warn our citizens, so that they do not become victims of cybercrime,” she added.

Second Prize was awarded to Dejan Rakita, from Misli o Prirodi portal and Detektor correspondent, for the story, “Trgovska gora: Why and how it was chosen, what exactly is being built there and what dangers it brings us”.

Third Prize was shared between Zurnal journalists Zinaida Djelilovic and Azra Omerovic for the story “International University of Gorazde: Doctor of Dentistry Obtained Degree Even though Faculty Had No Students Enrolled”, and Azhar Kalamujic, a journalist from the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIN), for the research, “Call Beg for Parking”.

EU Ambassador to Bosnia Luigi Soreca said during the award ceremony that journalism without fear and intimidation was the cornerstone of democracy.

“Today I want to honour the courage and dedication of investigative journalists across BiH, especially since journalists are too often the targets of threats,” he said, adding that the EU would continue to insist on the institutional protection of journalists.

Bilajac joined Detektor in 2022 and has received numerous awards, including the Eco Journalist Award for 2022, the EU Award for Investigative Journalism in 2021, as well as the Award for Outstanding Merit in Investigative Journalism in 2018 given by the South East European Media Organization (SEEMO) and the Central European Initiative (CEI).

He was shortlisted in 2017 for the Young Journalist Award given by the Thompson Foundation, and the European Press Prize in 2021.

The EU Award for Investigative Journalism celebrates the best investigative stories produced in the previous calendar year.

It is awarded in all six Western Balkan countries – Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

Call for Applications Open: Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms – Fellowship 2024 – Second Round

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is announcing the second open call for the Digital Rights and Freedoms Journalist Fellowship 2024. This initiative is designed to support and mentor journalists and media outlets in producing investigative stories that highlight and address the critical challenges of digital rights violations.

Empowering Journalism in the Digital Age

Awarded journalists will have a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with BIRN editors and our specialized digital rights team. As part of the fellowship, you will gain access to BIRN’s comprehensive monitoring database along with other valuable resources to support your investigative work. This collaboration is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to delve deep into digital rights issues and produce impactful journalism. Ultimately, your written content, upon editors’ approval,  will be showcased as a long-form investigative piece in one of the BIRN’s channels (including but not limited to Balkan Insight, BIRD, local BIRN websites), offering a platform for amplifying your work with the aim to  inform and engage a wide audience.

What We Offer

  • Grants of EUR 1,000 for individual journalists or collaborative teams, intended to support six months of research focused on in-depth storytelling related to digital rights and freedoms.
  • On-the-job mentoring from BIRN editors and our Digital Rights Support Team, plus a two-day online training session to hone your investigative skills.
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded journalists and tech researchers across the region, building a network of professionals dedicated to safeguarding digital rights.

Who Can Apply?

  • Professional journalists and tech researchers, both individuals and teams, from media outlets from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey.
  • Previous participants of BIRN’s training are especially encouraged to apply.
  • We welcome cross-border team applications to foster regional collaboration.

Application Process

To apply for the Digital Rights and Freedoms Project Fellowship, please use this ECR form to submit your application. Ensure you include:

  • A detailed proposal outlining your intended story or investigation, focusing on its relevance, originality, and potential impact.
  • Your professional CV, with an emphasis on your past work in journalism or digital rights research.
  • A declaration form, affirming the authenticity of the information provided and your commitment to the project’s ethical standards.

BIRN will also organise an information session on 5 November 2024 at 13:00 (CET), and registration is open. Register HERE.

Submission Deadline: November 11, 2024

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevance and significance of the proposed story
  • Feasibility and originality
  • Applicant’s professional qualifications and experience

A committee established by BIRN’s editorial team and an external professional will review the proposals.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Join us in our mission to defend digital rights and freedoms. Apply now for the second round of Digital Rights and Freedoms Project Fellowship 2024!

BIRN’s Report on Open Data and Digitalization in Western Balkans Presented in Skopje

On October 18 in Skopje, representatives of state institutions, non-governmental organizations and researchers from North Macedonia discussed the main findings of BIRN’s report, Open Data and Digitalization in the Western Balkans: The State of Play.

The event brought together 15 representatives from state institutions, academia, non-governmental organizations and the media to review the main conclusions.

Open Data and Digitalization in the Western Balkans: The State of Play analyses the availability and digitalization of open data in the Western Balkans, thousands of e-services and maps over 3,000 open data sets.

More than 50 interviews were conducted to explore the capacities and engagement of key stakeholders in these areas. The research also highlights negative trends, such as data leaks, privacy breaches, inadequate responses to cyberattacks and inconsistent policy implementation, which pose challenges to progress.

The event in Skopje, moderated by the national researcher for North Macedonia, German Filkov, highlighted the main conclusions from the report and the research process, while also providing a platform for dialogue on open data and digitalization efforts both within the country and across the region.

The event began with a presentation by Filkov who outlined the research process, key conclusions and takeaways from the report.

This was followed by a panel discussion that included Gordana Dimitrovska Gapic, Open Government Partnership’s National Coordinator, Marijana Janceska from Foundation Metamorphosis and Konstantin Bitrakov, a researcher and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Law at Skopje’s Ss Cyril and Methodius University.

Gapic emphasized the importance of a structured and ongoing involvement of all institutions and stakeholders in the process of opening and utilizing data. She also shared insights into the creation of the national portal, uslugi.gov.mk, highlighting the need for continuous promotion of the platform to ensure its success and wider adoption.

Janceska shared Metamorphosis Foundation’s work on opening data sets and providing mentorship for state institutions and local municipalities.

Konstantin Bitrakov shared his perspective on the need for open data and digitalization, viewed through an academic lens and within the context of the national legal framework.

The final conclusions emphasized the need for the full digitalization of services and the opening of more data sets for citizens in North Macedonia.

It was also noted that a robust system is essential to support these efforts, ensuring the regular maintenance of both the digitalized services and the opened data sets.

The report can be found here.

EU Awards for Best Investigative Journalism in North Macedonia Presented

Five journalists from North Macedonia were handed prizes at the EU Investigative Journalism Awards ceremony on October 18 in Skopje.

Stories on the misusage of medications in Skopje’s oncology hospital, political corruption, misuse of public funds and illegal destruction of forestry were selected as the best investigative stories in North Macedonia for 2023.

Irena Mulachka, Miomir Serafinovikj, Snezhana Lupevska Sozen, Aleksandar Metodijev and Suzana Miceva were announced as winners at the 2024 annual EU Investigative Journalism Awards at Europe House in Skopje.

First prize went to Irena Mulachka from Fokus for her investigation into corruption in Skopje’s oncology hospital, where medications were misused to serve the personal interests of staff and management.

Second prize went to Miomir Serafinovikj and Snezhana Lupevska for their story published on an investigative broadcast TV show exposing political corruption and misuse of public funds through family connections.

Third prize went to Aleksandar Metodijev and Suzana Miceva from Nota.mk for their story, which sheds light on illegal logging in Jablanica mountain, involving cross-border criminal activities.

The jury consisted of Konstantin Testorides, Lajla Veselica and Valentin Nesovski.

Konstantin has over 40 years of experience in journalism starting his career with Tanjug News Agency and joining Associated Press in 1992.

Lajla brings over 25 years of working experience including working with The New York Times on the Balkans and as correspondent for Agency France-Press.

Valentin has 25 years of experience in strategic communications and media working in national and international outlets.

Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union to North Macedonia, gave a speech at the ceremony reconfirming the European Union’s support for investigative journalism in North Macedonia and internationally. He also handed the awards to the winners.

BIRN Investigation Shortlisted for Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024

Story looking at European Commission’s proposal to scan for child sexual abuse material online is one of 13 nominations for this award.

“Who Benefits?’ Inside the EU’s Fight over Scanning for Child Sex Content”, a BIRN investigation, is among 13 stories nominated for the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024. The nomination was announced on October 18.

The investigation, by BIRN’S investigative editor Apostolis Fotiadis, journalist Giacomo Zandonini and an associate professor in media and international development at the University of East Anglia, Luděk Stavinoha, was published on Balkan Insight.

It was one of BIRN’s most widely republished investigations, and was cited across Europe, by, among others, Le Monde (France), El Diario (Spain), Solomon (Greece), Die Zeit (Germany), De Groene Amsterdammer (the Netherlands), Netzpolitik (Germany), IrpiMedia (Italy), and Domani (Italy), amongst others. It has also been shortlisted for the European Press Prize 2024.

This investigation uncovers a web of influence in the powerful coalition aligned behind the European Commission’s proposal to scan for child sexual abuse material online, a proposal that experts say puts rights at risk and could introduce new vulnerabilities by undermining encryption.

After BIRN published the investigation, the main political groups of the EU Parliament agreed on the draft law to prevent the dissemination of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Europol’s in-house research and development centre, the Innovation Hub, has already started working towards an AI-powered tool to classify child sexual abuse images and videos.

The winner of the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize will be announced on October 23 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and will receive a prize of €20,000.

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist who reported extensively on organised crime, money laundering, corruption, sale of citizenship and the Maltese government’s links to the Panama Papers. She was murdered in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017.

The annual prize rewards outstanding journalism that defends or promotes the core principles and values of the European Union – human rights, freedom, democracy, human dignity, equality, rule of law.