Tag: Hub

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN, is calling on journalists who are interested in producing in-depth investigations to apply for grants that will cover the cost of producing investigations but also include mentoring support to develop impactful stories that foster accountability and public awareness.

Who is eligible?

Journalists currently working in or publishing stories covering EU member countries and EU aspiring countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Kosovo – can apply.

Please note: this is not a collaborative grant.  Only individual journalists may apply, and each journalist can propose one investigative story.

What are we offering?

Selected journalists will receive grants of €1,140 for the production of their investigative stories (The grant lasts a minimum of three and a maximum of six months). The selected journalists will receive mentoring support from BIRN editors/mentors to help them produce their stories.

This call is ongoing – what does that mean?

Twenty grants in total are available and the ongoing call for applications will be closed once they are all distributed. The third and final deadline after which applications received so far will be evaluated is February 28th, 2026.

How to apply?

Before applying, click HERE to read the full call for applications. After reviewing the information, follow the link to access the application form. Applicants need to attach two documents in English to the application form: a CV and a signed letter of support from the media outlet where they will publish the story.

About the project

This call for applications is part of the Media Organisations for Stronger Transnational Journalism (MOST) initiative, which aims to enhance the resilience of non-profit media in reporting on European issues and drive innovation in foreign reporting. The initiative supports media organisations in developing new approaches and strengthening capacity, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices across borders.

MOST brings together seven prominent media organisations to establish a community of practice focused on business transformation and editorial cooperation.

The project is implemented by a consortium comprising: 1) Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), 2) Centro per la Cooperazione Internazionale (CCI/OBCT); 3) El Orden Mundial – EOM, Spain; 4) European Pravda, Ukraine; 5) Kolegium Europy Wschodniej im Jana Nowaka-Jezioranskiego we Wroclawiu – KeW, Poland (New Eastern Europe); 6) Le Courrier des Balkans – Courriers D’Europe et D’Orient – DcB, France; and 7) Stichting the Tactical Technology Collective – TTC, Netherlands.

For clarifications, contact: [email protected].

The project includes capacity building for mid-career and young journalists, ensuring quality in journalism study programmes, supporting the production of quality news, TV and cross-border investigation stories, providing investigative resource desk support, and promoting these stories through awards. Additionally, the project aims to ensure that the quality of journalism study programmes is maintained for future generations.

1. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

This Content Production Fund aims to support the creation of cross-border journalistic content through providing financial support to media outlets from the Western Balkans. Furthermore, it aims to achieve the following outcomes for the supported media outlets:

• Production of cross-regional multimedia stories published in English and local languages
• Improved skills of journalists in the media outlets by on-the-job training and mentoring, as a part of a grant production scheme.

2. TYPE, SIZE AND DURATION OF GRANTS

Through this call, BIRN Hub invites media outlets to apply for grants to produce high-quality, cross-border journalism on local, national, or regional topics, using their own newsroom resources. Stories should be investigative and impactful, with a clear focus on including underrepresented groups such as minorities, youth and women.

Media outlets are expected to begin implementing their project’s activities from 15/01/2026 and can last up to a maximum of two-and-a-half (2.5) months from the date of contract signature. All activities must conclude by no later than 31/03/2026.

3. AVAILABLE FUNDING AND ALLOCATIONS

The overall amount expected to be distributed under this Call for Applications is up to €60,000. The table summarises the grants foreseen to be given.

Type of Grants	Maximum Amount per Grant	Number of Grants Foreseen	Estimated Amount
Content Production Fund	€5,000	Up to 12	€60,000

BIRN reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted, as well as to discuss with applicants allocating actions as needed within the categories towards achieving the overall goal of the programme.

No co-financing from the applicant’s side is expected or is obligatory within this Call for Applications.

4. APPLICATION

This section includes important information on the rules for application, including eligibility criteria, activities and costs eligibility, and application and evaluation procedures, among others.

5.1 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To apply, applicants must fulfil the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate a strong commitment to producing high-quality, independent journalism that includes cross-regional, multimedia content with content pieces featuring perspectives or issues from more than one country from the Western Balkans.
2. Propose an application with an investigative and in-depth angle, with a cross-border aspect and which is impactful for the community
3. Express a clear intention and means of including underrepresented communities in stories. These may include marginalised groups such as minorities, youth, women and other under-reported communities.
4. Be a legally registered entity within the country of application on or before 1 January, 2023.
5. Be able to provide supporting documentation as listed in 5.4.1 Application Form Content.
6. Must not have an active grant from any other BIRN granting scheme during the proposed period of implementation of the production grant.
7. Demonstrate a commitment to actively engage in on-the-job mentoring by following the guidance and recommendations provided by assigned mentors.

5.2 ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY

The types of activities eligible for support will include but are not necessarily be limited to:

1. Production of high-quality, independent content pieces that includes a cross-border, multimedia content, with content pieces featuring perspectives or issues from more than one country from the Western Balkans. One example of such content is the following: ‘Lifeless’: Pollution Threatens the Drin and its Tributaries in Three Balkan States | Balkan Insight
2. Production of one cross- border multimedia content piece with an investigative and in-depth angle that is impactful for the community and includes a cross-border aspect, while clearly demonstrating the intention and approach to include underrepresented communities such as minorities, youth, women, and other often under-reported groups in the storytelling. Grantees will receive appropriate mentoring. Content may comprise news, analysis, investigations, different news formats: audio, text, video or multimedia.
3. Promoting content through the social media channels of the respective outlets.

Applicants may propose additional activities beyond those listed above, ensuring their alignment with the project’s vision and goal. These activities should complement the existing ones and may include any relevant investigative engagement stories.

5.3 COSTS ELIGIBILITY

This call for content grants will cover only lifeline costs essential for the continuation of content production by the media outlets. While developing the budget for the proposal under this Call for Applications (budget form enclosed in 5.4.1 Application Form Content) the following eligible and ineligible costs should be:

Eligible Costs
Category	Explanation
Human Resources Costs	Costs of the media outlets’ core staff salaries, freelancers’ fees and experts directly involved in implementing the proposed activities and proportionate to their level of involvement.
Production / Research / Communication Costs	Costs related to the production of the stories, including communication with stakeholders, research costs, as well as costs of promotion of the stories on social media.
Travel Costs	Any travel costs needed to produce the story, especially if it’s a cross-border story or a story covering citizen’s experiences in some local or more remote areas in the country.
Ineligible Costs
Include costs of office equipment, construction costs, entertainment and excessive transport, organisation and/or participation in trainings and events.

5.4 APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure a fair and competitive application process, applicants should complete and submit only one application / proposal under this Call for Applications. Multiple applications by individual media outlets are not eligible.

5.4.1. APPLICATION FORM CONTENT

To apply for this Content Grants, media outlets should:

• Download and fill out the application form which should:

• • Be completed in the English language. Please use your own words. ChatGPT applications will be downgraded or not considered.
  • Outline general information, current audience data, and a story proposal.

• Submit the following supporting documents within the embedded application form:
  • Financial Proposal. Download the budget template HERE.
  • Financial Statements for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, if applicable.
  • Certificate from relevant tax authority that the media outlet is a regular taxpayer.
  • A Court Certificate that the media outlet does not have ongoing legal proceedings nor is awaiting the final judgment of cases against the organisation. Note: If obtaining a Court Certificate confirming no ongoing legal proceedings is challenging (e.g., due to SLAPP lawsuits), applicants may submit a detailed explanation of their legal status and the nature of such cases. This ensures equal opportunities for all while maintaining transparency and compliance with administrative requirements.
  • Editorial policy, if applicable.
  • Business Registry Certificate or any other document certifying that the applicant is registered as a legal entity in (country) as of January 2023.

5.4.2 APPLICATION DEADLINE

The applicant must submit the application by 08/1/2026, midnight, CET at: [email protected] with the subject:  Application for Content Production Grants_name of your media outlet

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for funding. The deadline applies to all parts of your application, including supporting documentation.

5.4.3. CLARIFICATIONS, QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Questions about the Call for Application and Application Form may be sent in English to the Programme Coordinator at this email address: [email protected] until the deadline for clarifications has passed.

5.5 EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

All received proposals will go through the following three steps:

1. Administrative and eligibility check by BIRN to ensure applicants filled in the Application Form, according to the eligibility criteria and submitted all required documents by the deadline.
2. Evaluation by the independent jury.
3. Notification of the application outcome.

STEP 1: BIRN ADMINISTRATIVE AND ELIGIBILITY CHECK

BIRN will undertake administrative checks to ensure the applicants have followed application procedures and submitted all the required documents. If any requested information / document is missing or incorrect, the application may be rejected and will not be evaluated further. Any rejected application will be replaced by the next best-placed application on the reserve list that falls within the available budget for this Call for Applications.

An application that passes the administrative check will be assessed further as part of the evaluation by the independent jury.

STEP 2: EVALUATION BY THE INDEPENDENT JURY

After the call is closed, all applications that meet the administrative requirements and eligibility criteria will be subject to evaluation by an independent jury. A jury consisting of media professionals, acting independently, will assess the proposals based on their Relevance of the Proposed Story, Capacity, Financial Proposal and Potential, including the Social impact.

Please refer to the criteria list for further information on quality assessment.

CRITERIA	MAXIMUM SCORE
1. RELEVANCE OF THE APPLICATION ●     The proposed application should feature at least one cross- border multimedia content piece which tackles an issue relevant to local/national / regional communities. ●     The proposed stories should include a cross-border dimension, with content featuring perspectives or issues from more than one country from the Western Balkans. ●     The proposed stories demonstrate investigative and in-depth potential, while also addressing cross-cutting issues such as the promotion of gender equality, respect for human rights and the inclusion of marginalized groups. ●     Must not have active grant from any other BIRN granting scheme during the proposed period of implementation of the production grant.	20 points
2. CAPACITY  ●     Applicant demonstrates available capacity to implement activities. ●     Applicant demonstrates significant reach in its community. ●     Applicant demonstrates previous experience in engaging communities. ●     Risks and challenges are clearly identified and are manageable.	10 points
3. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL ●     Budget demonstrates value for money – the organisation clearly shows it will manage to implement activities according to the proposed amount.	10 points
4. POTENTIAL ●     The application addresses specific problems affecting particular communities. ●     The media outlet demonstrates a clear commitment to producing meaningful, high-quality content through the proposed application. ●     The proposed story strategically aims to engage new audiences, with a focus on underrepresented groups such as women and girls, youth, and ethnic, social, sexual, or other minorities.	10 points
MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE	50 points

STEP 3: NOTIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION OUTCOME

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process via email, whether successful or not, and may request clarifications if needed. Upon positive notification, successful applicants will sign the contract with BIRN and become a recipient of the grant.

5. MENTORING

On-the-job training and mentoring will be provided as part of a grant-supported production scheme aimed at strengthening the professional skills and editorial capacities of participating journalists. Following the signing of a contractual agreement by both parties, a dedicated mentor will be assigned to each media outlet.

BIRN will assign mentors to support the implementation of the project’s application in a format of on-the job mentoring.  Media outlets will collaborate with mentors assigned by BIRN to create provisional activity/production plans that will be further confirmed. Throughout the project, BIRN mentors will be available to provide guidance and support to the participating media outlets, while respecting their editorial independence via online/offline meetings and consultation sessions.

6. TIMELINE OF CALL ACTIVITIES

The following is the indicative table of the application, evaluation, notification process and online training:

ACTIVITY	DATE
Call for Applications issued	17/11/2025
Deadline for Submission of Applications	08/01/2026
Notification to Applicants on the Results of the Qualitative Assessment	09/01/2026
Contract Signature	14/01/2026

 

BIRN on Friday published an updated version of ‘Serbia on the Streets’, a comprehensive collection of reports by Balkan Insight about Serbia’s mass protest movement from November 2024 to the present.

The e-book is free to download in PDF and EPUB formats.

It opens with the first report published by Balkan Insight about the Novi Sad railway station disaster of November 1, 2024, which left 16 people dead – the initial spark for the protest movement.

In the aftermath of the disaster, people took to the streets all over Serbia, accusing the authorities of corruption and negligence – and then demanding snap elections.

The reports compiled in the e-book document how students took the lead in the movement with faculty occupations, street blockades, pickets, marches and rallies.

They also document how the authorities responded with a crackdown that raised allegation of heavy-handed policing and victimisation of protest supporters.

Analysis pieces, interviews and on-the-spot reportage articles look deeper into the issues raised by the protests.

“As the protest movement continues, one year on, Balkan Insight’s journalists continue to follow developments in the streets, the courts and the political arena. This e-book give important insights into a turbulent period in Serbian politics and society,” said Gentiana Murati, BIRN’s deputy regional director.

The e-book is available to download here.

Join us for a three-day workshop on the role of media and art in dealing with the past at the History Museum in Sarajevo.

Dates: December 2-5

Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Participants: up to 30 young people involved in activism, art or journalism (ages 18-30)

About the workshop

This interactive three-day workshop explores how media and art can become powerful tools for reconciliation and dealing with the past. Through carefully designed sessions, participants will gain practical knowledge and experience in the fields of intercultural reporting, storytelling and artistic activism (artivism), using creativity as a bridge for dialogue and understanding between communities.

The workshop will be led by experienced mentors in the fields of human rights, transitional justice, media and artistic activism, and participants will develop skills in:

• intercultural reporting and storytelling,
• designing artistic initiatives for reconciliation,
• practical dialogue and creative collaboration.

The workshop will end with a joint multimedia exhibition, which will present the works and reflections of the participants created during the three-day process. After the workshop, four participants will be selected to write media or literary texts that will unify the common messages and conclusions of the young workshop participants – giving voice to a new generation that believes in the power of dialogue and regional reconciliation.

Why participate?

• Learn directly from experts in the fields of media, arts and transitional justice
• Meet and collaborate with peers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Explore Sarajevo through its cultural and historical layers
• Participate in a joint multimedia exhibition
• Strengthen your voice in building a democratic and empathetic society

Who can apply?

The call is open to young people aged 18 to 30 from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina who are:

• active in the field of media, arts or social activism,
• interested in creative storytelling and intercultural dialogue,
• motivated to use art and media as tools for social change and reconciliation.

When selecting participants, we will take into account equal geographical and gender

representation of participants from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to ensure a diversity of perspectives and experiences in working together.

How to apply?

Fill out the application form no later than November 20. Selected participants will be notified by November 24.

All participation costs (travel, accommodation and food) are covered. Together we reflect on the past through stories, creativity and cooperation.

REPORTING CULTURE – Connecting Communities for Change is implemented by Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN Hub and Youth Initiative for Human Rights, in cooperation with the Regional office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Tirana, within the framework of “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans”, a project funded by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.

The event opened with a presentation of the report, “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans.” Azem Kurtic, a journalist at BIRN and author of the Bosnia and Herzegovina country report, presented the key findings for Bosnia. The criminalization of defamation, the non-transparent use of surveillance cameras, and SLAPP lawsuits – most often used as tools to encourage journalists’ self-censorship – were among the issues highlighted in the report. The presentation sparked a discussion among participants, who shared their experiences, insights and perspectives on media freedom and digital rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fedja Kulenovic, from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, led a session on the importance of self-protection in the digital environment. He discussed the evolution of digital threats, from phishing and spyware to the increasing use of artificial intelligence, covering topics such as identity protection, device security, tools for safe communication, and AI-related risks. He highlighted that connecting AI tools with various applications can lead to the unintentional exposure of sensitive data, emphasizing the importance of access control and regular permission reviews.

The second part of the event focused on digital rights. Selma Melez, a BIRN Bosnia journalist and country monitor for Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented findings from the 2025 digital rights violations monitoring activity. She noted that the most frequent cases involve online hate speech, disinformation, and online fraud, as well as AI-facilitated threats to digital freedoms, including image misuse and extortion, with children often being the primary victims.

The event concluded with a panel discussion, titled “The Importance of Safeguarding Digital Rights in Contemporary Social Practices,” moderated by Aida Ajanovic. Panelists included Maja Calovic, digital media expert at Mediacentar, hvale vale, a gender and digital rights expert, Nasir Muftic, lawyer and assistant professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Sarajevo, and Lejla Turcilo, professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo.

The discussion offered legal, media, academic and activist perspectives on digital rights, addressing topics such as the legal framework in Bosnia, media and platform accountability, balancing freedom of expression and regulation, forms of online gender-based violence, digital literacy, and ethics.

Participants were actively engaged throughout the panel, stressing the importance of such gatherings for fostering dialogue on issues crucial to protecting digital freedoms.

Thirty participants attended the event, including 18 women.

This event was a joint initiative of the EU-funded project “Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms” and the Open Society Foundation-funded project “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans.”

Workshop Overview and Participant Breakdown

Dates and place: 16 October 2025, Sarajevo

Number of participants per country:

BiH 25

Total number of participants: 25

The full findings and activities are available in the EDS Report, which can be accessed here.

BIRN hosted a panel session on October 11 in Athens entitled “Platform Bans on the Rise: Trends and Human Rights Implications in South East Europe”.

The panel opened an important conversation about the growing trend of platform bans in South-Eastern Europe and their impact on freedom of expression, political participation, and privacy rights. Drawing on BIRN’s regional monitoring of digital rights violations, it explored the timing and legal implications of bans, their impact on democratic processes, and strategies for safeguarding civic space.

The panel brought together a diverse group of experts and practitioners: Aida Mahmutović, Project Manager at BIRN Kosovo, Megi Reci, Digital Rights Research Lead at BIRN Hub, Snežana Nikčević, a civic-tech advocate at NGO 35mm, and Besmir Semanaj, a digital rights researcher and technology expert. The panel was moderated by Azra Milić, Digital Rights Programme Coordinator at BIRN Hub.

One of the central messages of the panel was that platform bans, though often presented as protective or regulatory measures, are being weaponized to shrink the civic space and limit fundamental rights. The speakers highlighted how these actions affect journalists, activists, and everyday users, underscoring the urgent need for more transparent, rights-based governance models in the digital space.

Reflecting on regional developments, Megi Reci noted: “While Turkey takes an assertive stance, using legal, technical, and informal means to ban or throttle platforms, hybrid regimes in Albania and Serbia echo some of these censorship and legal trends, despite their formal commitment to EU integration and digital policies focused on regulation over censorship. We agreed the WB6 can’t remain on the fence, and must choose between authoritarian control of the digital space or a transparent, rights-based governance models.”

The panel also emphasized the role of media in raising awareness and facilitating dialogue on digital rights issues. Aida Mahmutović reflected on the evolution of media engagement in these processes, noting: “Over the past decade, we have seen how the role of media and journalism has evolved at the global Internet Governance Forum from mere participation and reporting on outcomes to shaping the discussion and the agenda with our unique perspective. We were happy to see that also brought into the South East European region through the panels and workshops at SEEDIG 10.”

This year’s SEEDIG event, marking ten years of multistakeholder dialogue and collaboration on internet governance and digital policy, coincided with BIRN’s celebration of 20 years of defending democracy, media freedom, and human rights across Southeast Europe.

The panel in Athens was a powerful reminder of the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding these values and ensuring that the digital space remains open, inclusive, and grounded in human rights.

The programme offers plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops aimed at empowering, educating and contributing to greater engagement in the field of digital rights in the Western Balkans. This marks the third year of the IFM organised as part of the Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms project.

What’s on the agenda?

Speakers and experts in their field will lead discussions on pressing issues, such as digital legislation (reform, regulation, weaponisation), unpack online scams across the Western Balkans and Turkey & institutional responses, misuse of AI in the context of disinformation and digital violence, political dissent and resistance online, online manipulation during elections and its influence on democratic processes, and surveillance & censorship.

At this year’s edition of IFM, attendees will also have the opportunity to join the launch of the new Digital Rights Violations Annual Report. The report provides an in-depth look at key findings across all monitored regions, highlights emerging trends based on data analysis and offers concrete recommendations to uphold human rights both online and offline.

Please note that the programme will be held in English.

Reasons to apply

The IFM 2025 in Pristina is a unique regional opportunity to engage with experts from different internet governance stakeholder groups, gain insights, and personally contribute to a future digital environment which is freer, safer and open for all.

This space is for you, whether you’re a digital rights activist, tech enthusiast, academic, journalist, internet policy pasionato or engaged netizen. Applications are open for individuals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Governing digital space means that each voice counts in discussions that concern us all.

How to apply

Applications are now open but please note that the seats are limited. You can apply by completing this application form by October 19th, 2025, at 23:59 CET. BIRN will cover accommodation and travel expenses for selected participants from the above-mentioned countries. Only selected applicants will be contacted.

Important note: Participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to enter Kosovo, have to have a new biometric ID card.

We are looking forward to your applications.

If you have IFM 2025-related questions, please contact [email protected].

by Aleksandra Vrbica

Alongside hundreds of news organisations, media support associations and individuals from over 100 countries, the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is taking part in this year’s World News Day, which is aimed at raising awareness about the value of credible news reporting.

As part of the World News Day activities, BIRN is highlighting 12 of Balkan Insight’s most important investigations from the past 12 months. The stories include reports on journalists being targeted by law enforcement in Romania and by the intelligence service in Serbia, the torture of migrants in the Balkans by an armed Afghan gang and the escalation of arms shipments to Israel from Serbia.

Press freedom

Becoming the Story: How Journalists Are Being Targeted by Romanian Law Enforcement

This report reveals how journalists conducting public-interest investigations in Romania were put under surveillance by their targets with the help of law enforcement.

Silent Spying: How Serbian Intelligence Hacks Activists’ Phones – Without Them Knowing

A BIRN investigation supported by Amnesty International showed how Serbia’s domestic security agency has been unlocking activists’ phones using Israeli technology and installing a locally-developed spyware.

Serbia and Israel

Regardless of War Crimes Claims, Serbia’s Arms Sales to Israel Soar

Between 2023 and 2024, the value of Serbian arms sales to Israel rose from 1.4 million euros to 42.3 million. Belgrade shrugged off widespread accusations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza and calls from United Nations human rights experts for a halt to the delivery of deadly weapons, BIRN and Haaretz reported.

Billboards and Bullets: An Israeli Spin Doctor at the Service of Serbia

Israeli PR guru Srulik Einhorn worked to burnish the image of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, BIRN and Haaretz reported – facilitate the flow of Serbian arms to Israel’s war in Gaza. Wanted for questioning in Israel, Einhorn has set up shop in Belgrade.

The Balkan migrant route

As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans

According to Frontex, the EU’s border force, the number of ‘illegal migrants’ using the Balkan route to reach the European bloc has fallen. With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the routes that bring refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans.

BWK: The Armed Afghan Gang Terrorising Migrants, Refugees Crossing Bosnia

Amid heightened border security, an armed Afghan gang operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina has turned to kidnapping asylum seekers and demanding ransom payments from their families. Its tactics include physical abuse and sometimes rape.

Italy to Albania, and Back: A Migrant’s Journey Through Italy’s Asylum Experiment

Italy’s right-wing government called it a magic wand for the migrants arriving on its shores, but a deal with Albania to outsource and accelerate asylum processing has run afoul of Italian courts. One Bangladeshi’s story explains how it also makes migrants’ journeys even more traumatic.

‘Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania

Migrant workers from Africa told BIRN about having to surrender their passports on arrival in Albania, working unpaid overtime and facing deportation once they are no longer required. Many are left with debts to the agencies that act as middlemen.

Operation Interceptor: How Bosnia’s Border Chief Created His Own Elite Unit

This report from Sarajevo details the creation of a shadowy, heavily-armed and potentially illegal police unit at the exclusive, 24-hour beck and call of the man who led Bosnia’s border police for nine years and is now a fugitive from arrest.

Corruption in the Balkans

School Scam: The Phantom Organisations Hoovering up Serbian Public Money

In 2022 and 2023, Serbia’s Education Ministry allocated almost 200,000 euros to 11 NGOs to organise violence prevention workshops in schools. BIRN has traced all the NGOs to the same small group of people – and found that most of the workshops never happened.

Wartime crimes

‘With Our Bare Hands’: The Roma Forced to Clean up Serbia’s Crimes in Kosovo

During the 1998-99 war in Kosovo, Roma municipal employees were forced to clean up the crimes committed by Serbian forces, carrying and disposing of corpses with their bare hands. Branded collaborators, they were targeted for revenge after the fighting finished.

China in the Balkans

Parallel Government: How Vucic Turned Serbia’s Constitution on its Head

The case of a Chinese-led power plant expansion in Serbia laid bare the extent to which President Aleksandar Vucic has upended the country’s constitution, creating an unofficial layer of government calling the shots in areas where legal experts say it has no jurisdiction whatsoever.