Tag: Hub

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)
• Information session: November 22, 2024 at 11:00 (CET) – register HERE
• 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.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

“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.

On October 18, Radio Active Zenica, a youth-focused media outlet from Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Balkans Investigative Reporting Network’s (BIRN) Sarajevo office as part of their regular mentorship activities within the “Western Balkan Media for Change” project.

This project, led by the British Council in partnership with BIRN, Thomson Media, and Intrac, aims to strengthen independent journalism in the region. Ten young journalists had an opportunity to meet BIRN’s team of journalists and senior editors and experience the work of investigative editorials.

Radio Active Zenica is dedicated to empowering young people through workshops on media literacy, journalism ethics, and practical media skills.

The outlet recently launched a youth programme in Zenica, offering participants training in journalism and multimedia content creation. The programme includes mentoring and workshop experience to help young journalists apply their skills in real-world media work.

As part of the Western Balkans Media for Change they received financial support to educate and empower young journalists, engage the local community and foster media literacy and ethical journalism practices, followed by BIRN’s mentorship support, in realization of their project.

As part of their initiative the young journalists engage in study visits to local media outlets, like the one made to BIRN, to exchange ideas and learn about innovative practices in journalism. This initiative not only enhances the participants’ skills but also fosters quality media production and ethical journalism within the local community, helping to combat misinformation and promote media literacy.

“By visiting BIRN, the team of Radio Active Zenica gained insight into the importance of investigative journalism, the process that journalists go through in creating stories and the obstacles they face. The young members of the Radio Active editorial team were intrigued and inspired by the visit and plan to further explore and apply the advice and knowledge they gained during this visit in their continued education and work in journalism,” Ena Causevic, editor at Radio Active Zenica, said.

“Visits like this provide young people who are just starting out in journalism with a glimpse of how diverse approaches can be when creating media content. It also shows them the level of creativity and freedom they can have, and that through the media, they can influence their local community and drive change within it,”  she added.

“Having a chance to work with a group of young and enthusiastic people is truly a blast for me. Their curiosity driven by youthful energy is inspiring for anyone who has a chance to work with them. On the other hand, they are doing a very important work for young people in Zenica, firstly by educating youngsters to report on topics of true importance for their own generations, and then in creating their radio and written reports,” said Azem Kurtic, Radio Active Zenica’ s mentor and Balkan Insight journalist.

In the past five months Azem has provided them with mentorship support as part of the Western Balkan Media for Change project.

The Western Balkan Media for Change project, funded by the UK Government, supports media outlets in the Western Balkans through financial assistance, training, and mentoring.

It focuses on sustainable media practices and amplifies the voices of youth, women, and marginalized groups across the region.