TIRANA, Oct 21 /ATA/ – The European Union Delegation in Albania and Thomson Media presented the 2024 EU Award for Investigative Journalism on Tuesday, honoring reporters for the year’s best investigative work in the country.
First prize was awarded to Geri Emiri and Erjola Azizolli from Amfora.al. The second prize, awarded jointly, went to Vladimir Karaj and Edmond Hoxhaj, both from Reporter.al. The third prize was awarded to Erisa Kryeziu and Esmeralda Keta from Citizens.al.
“Congratulations to the winners of the EU Award for Investigative Journalism, organized in cooperation with Thomson Media,” the EU Delegation in Albania said in a statement.
EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, who attended the ceremony, praised the critical role investigative journalism plays in strengthening democracy and upholding the public interest.
“In Albania, investigative journalism continues to play a key role in promoting transparency and accountability,” said Gonzato. “We are fully aware of the challenges journalists face – from intimidation and economic pressure to concentrated media ownership.”
Gonzato reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting press freedom.
“The EU will continue to raise these concerns and support reforms that create a safer and fairer environment for journalists. At the same time, we will keep investing in independent journalism, fact-checking initiatives, and media literacy, because informed citizens are the best defense against disinformation and manipulation,” Ambassador Gonzato said.
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