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The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), in close partnership with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, and with the support of UN Women – Kosovo Office, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Pro Peace – Kosovo Office, the Embassy of Canada to Croatia and Kosovo, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the NGO “Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians” (VoRAE), and the NGO “Center for Information and Social Improvement” (QIPS), is pleased to announce the winners of the Annual Journalism Awards 2025.

All awards this year were determined by an independent professional jury composed of five members with extensive experience in media, communication, and beyond:

• Evliana Berani, Imer Mushkolaj, Naim Sadiku, Arben Hajredinaj, and Shpend Qamili.

The jury reviewed all 101 applications, evaluated them based on professional criteria, and made the final decision for each of the 2025 awards.

Journalist of the Year 2025: Agon Sinanaj, Buletini Ekonomik

Agon Sinanaj was awarded Journalist of the Year 2025 for his in-depth investigation into Kosovo’s electricity imports during 2025. Over the course of an entire year, his research revealed abuses by KESCO and the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO), including the unlawful selection of a single company (NoaEnergy Trade), price manipulation, and black-market energy trading. The investigation prompted public reactions and investigations by the Special Prosecution Office and ERO. His dedication to bringing transparency to a complex sector and his strong impact on public debate make him a deserving winner of this award.

The award was presented by the Ambassador Gerard McGurk, OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

Best TV Story: Vlerë Mehmeti, KTV

The story “6 million euros for equipment that never reached people with paralysis” exposed inflated procurement prices for medical devices that were never delivered to persons with disabilities. The article documented institutional mismanagement and lack of transparency in public tenders, triggering broad public reactions and investigations by competent authorities. The publication raised awareness about the need for accountability and oversight in the health sector and influenced political and media discussions on improving public procurement procedures.

The award was presented by Nathalie Niedoba, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul at the Embassy of Canada to Croatia and Kosovo.

Best Web Story: Besarta Hoti, Nacionale.com

The story “Fraud scheme in the ‘Botanika’ kindergarten in Prishtina” uncovered the misuse of parents’ payments by kindergarten staff, revealing how several officials and administrators unlawfully benefited from parents’ funds. The article also analyzed the impact on affected children and families, prompting immediate community reactions and investigations by the Basic Prosecution in Prishtina. Following the publication, the mayor suspended subsidies and initiated disciplinary procedures against those responsible.

The award was presented by Ardian Latifaj, Project Manager at UNDP Kosovo.

Cameraman of the Year (Shared Award):

Dituron Aliu, Betimi për Drejtësi
Recognized for exceptional work in extremely challenging field conditions—from the underground tunnels of Trepça to the mountainous areas of Mokna and Sharr, as well as sensitive corruption and bribery cases. He documented high-risk environments, extreme heat, low visibility, harsh terrain, and sensitive justice-related events with professionalism, delivering accurate and powerful visual coverage.

Altin Zejnaj, Betimi për Drejtësi
Distinguished for his ability to conduct hidden and high-risk filming, often facing direct threats while documenting unlawful activities. He produced critical footage on domestic violence cases, sensitively crafted reconstructions for victims, and documented harsh weather conditions in Prevallë and complex investigations that even resulted in the arrest of police officers. His work directly contributed to case resolution.

Korab Basha, Telegrafi.com
Awarded for dynamic footage that captures the energy, emotion, and rhythm of football and sports life. He documented Shkëndija’s historic fifth title celebration, produced heartwarming human stories such as a young couple’s campsite project, and accompanied Trainkos to illustrate the challenges and hopes in Kosovo’s railway transport sector. Beyond filming, he also edited three projects, giving his work a complete authorial signature.

The award was presented by Evliana Berani, jury member.

Reporting on Women’s Empowerment: Adelina Ahmeti, Kallxo.com

Her story, “Scandal in justice: The judge and prosecutor discussing with the domestic violence defendant,” exposed institutional failures and biases toward women victims of domestic violence. The article investigated specific cases of judicial inaction and the challenges victims face when seeking legal protection. Following the publication, disciplinary measures were taken against those involved, demonstrating the direct impact of investigative journalism on institutional change and public awareness of women’s rights.

The award was presented by Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of UN Women Kosovo.

Best Reporting on Antigypsyism: Besian Beha, Nacionale.com

The report “A kick against racism” documented the racially motivated assault against 15-year-old football player Belgin Jashari from the Ashkali community. The article also examined the systemic discrimination faced by the Ashkali community in Kosovo, highlighting the lack of institutional protection and weak institutional responses to similar incidents. The story sparked public reaction; Kosovo Police and the Football Federation intervened, resulting in a penalty for the attacker.

The award was presented by Alketa Bala, Public Relations at VoRAE.

Conflict-Sensitive Reporting & Dealing with the Past (Shared Award):

Blendina Veliqi, Betimi për Drejtësi
Her story, “The war took their husbands, but not their strength to raise their children,” shares the testimonies of war-affected women, illuminating their pain, their dual parental burden, and the silent trauma carried for decades. Through the stories of Besime Rrahmani and Fatime Lahu-Kastrati, the article reveals the long-term impact of war on them and their children, as well as the lack of institutional support. The story contributes to transitional justice by giving a voice to those seldom heard.

Sandra Cvetković & Arben Hoti, Radio Free Europe
Their in-depth report “Extension of authority in the north: A source of joy for some, challenge and difficulty for others” brings forward the perspectives of Serbs and Albanians in northern Kosovo during a period of tension, institutional change, and uncertainty. Through the stories of Dragisha Lakićević and Zahir Mehmeti, the article presents fears, challenges, and hopes of communities divided for many years. The story promotes understanding, insight into a complex reality, and reflection on the steps needed for sustainable reconciliation.

The award was presented by Nehari Sharri, Head of Office, Pro Peace Kosovo.

Reporting on Migrant Workers: Afërdita Lukaj, Kanal10

The story “Without a passport!” documented the exploitation of migrant workers employed illegally and the harsh working conditions across various sectors, including a lack of contracts, delayed payments, and poor workplace safety. The article also examined the legal and social implications of these practices, highlighting companies’ responsibility and insufficient institutional oversight. The publication sparked public debate and encouraged institutional action to protect migrant workers’ rights.

The award was presented by David Oberhuber, Director of GIZ Kosovo.

Reporting on Workers’ Rights: Egzon Dahsyla, Kallxo.com

The investigation “Dangerous construction sites” addressed the deaths and injuries of construction workers, revealing a lack of safety measures, limited inspections, and institutional and private sector failures contributing to dangerous working conditions. The article highlighted the social and economic consequences for victims’ families and raised the need for reform in workplace safety standards. The publication prompted reactions from local authorities and other institutions, calling for stricter oversight and preventive measures.

The award was presented by H.E. Jonas Westerlund, Ambassador of Sweden to Kosovo.

Reporting on Mental Health: Dafina Halili, Kosovo 2.0

The article “I was suppressing myself so much, as if I had shut down my entire nervous system” explores the mental health of queer individuals, highlighting the impact of stigma, lack of professional support, and the need for a more sensitive and inclusive health system. The story combined personal narratives with analysis of health policies and the impact of social discrimination, prompting public debate on the importance of psychological support and LGBTQ+ rights.

The award was presented by H.E. Jonas Westerlund, Ambassador of Sweden to Kosovo.

Reporting on Peacebuilding and Trustbuilding: Doruntina Bylykbashi, TV Dukagjini

The story “Between family and the military – the stories of American children serving with their parents in Bondsteel” provides a human perspective on the international military presence in Kosovo, focusing on family ties and the human dimension of peacekeeping missions. Through three authentic stories of U.S. soldiers and their children serving together in KFOR, the article documents how respect, trust, and cooperation are built on the ground. The story also highlights the impact of these relationships on trust-building and intercultural dialogue in local communities.

The award was presented by Visare Mujko Nimani, Head of UNFPA Kosovo.

Reporting on Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Uran Haxha, Kosovo 2.0

The article “Green Deal, we have a problem” examines Kosovo’s challenges in meeting its decarbonization commitments by 2050, including dependence on two coal power plants, lack of investments in renewable energy, and bureaucratic delays in green energy auctions. The article also addresses the impact of the CBAM mechanism on Kosovo’s export industry and provides analyses of the energy sector, highlighting major pollution sources and climate consequences. The story includes comments from local institutions, European experts, and NGOs, and was republished by CLEW – the Clean Energy Wire network of energy journalists in Europe.

The award was presented by H.E. Rainer Rudolph, Ambassador of Germany to Kosovo.

We congratulate all the winners of this edition and extend our appreciation to all journalists who applied, as well as to our partners.