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The Association of Kosovo Journalists (AJK), in close partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, with the support of USAID, UN Women - Kosovo Office, forumZFD, the British Embassy in Pristina, the Voice of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians and the “Think Green, Act Green” campaign, has presented the Annual Journalism Awards.

In twelve competitive categories this year, more than 20 journalists were announced as winners.

The main award, “Journalist of the Year”, was won by journalist Ardiana Thaçi Mehmeti of “Kiks Kosova”, for her work in exposing the infamous online group, “Albkings”.

Her work led to arrests and closure of the group’s platforms, despite personal threats against her. Her work has encouraged women to speak out against harassment.

The award for Journalist of the Year to Thaçi Mehmeti, was presented by Pascale Roussy, Director of the Democratization Department at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

In the “Best TV Story” category, the story cycle “Shiriti” by Kallxo.com triumphed.

A six-member team uncovered political corruption in Kosovo, exposing over 120 cases of misrepresentations of projects by mayors on social media. Their investigation led to accountability measures and public apologies, highlighting the power of investigative journalism in the fight against propaganda.

This award was presented by Prof. Dr. Rrahman Paçarizi, a representative member of the jury.

In the “Best Web Story” category, the award was won by Nadie Ahmeti from “Radio Free Europe”. Ahmeti’s story highlighted Erona, a young woman tragically murdered by her ex-husband, thus shedding light on the domestic violence crisis in Kosovo. Through this story, systemic failures and societal barriers were highlighted, calling for urgent reforms to protect women.

This award was presented by Flutura Kusari, a human rights activist.

The best cameraman of the year was named Deniz Slovinja from "Kallxo.com".

Slovinja demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination by documenting the devastating floods in freezing conditions, capturing visuals that gained attention and demonstrated the impact of the event.

This award was presented by Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Senior Resident Director of the National Institute for Democracy in Kosovo – NDI.

In the "Women's Empowerment Award" category, the first place award went to Adelina Ahmeti, from Kallxo.com. She exposed systemic judicial failures in domestic violence cases. The second place award went to Blerta Ahmeti, from Betimi për Drejtësi. She highlighted workplace discrimination against new mothers. The third place award in this category went to Dafina Halili from Kosovo 2.0, who explored the societal challenges and policy gaps around breastfeeding, linking them to the broader issue of gender equality.

These awards were presented by Florije Kryeziu from UN Women, the British Ambassador to Prishtina, Jonathan Hargreaves, and Gentiana Begolli Pustina from RTK.

The award for best sports reporting went to journalist Albiona Hoxhaj, from Betimi për Drejtësi.

Journalist Hoxhaj's investigation into sports hooliganism in Kosovo revealed systemic issues in security and justice. The report highlighted the social and personal consequences of fan violence, as well as the involvement of children in ultra groups.

The award was presented by the German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jörn Rohde.

In the category for best reporting on antigypsyism, first place went to journalist Qëndresa Bellagoshi from "Klan Kosova".

She exposed the exclusion of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children from education in Gjakova, prompting institutional action. Second place went to journalists Gentiana Ahmeti and Oriada Dajko, who examined the labour market barriers these communities face. Third place went to journalist Rexhep Maloku, who highlighted the inclusive role of minority journalists in Kosovo, in an article for Kosovo 2.0.

These awards were presented by Isak Skenderi, Executive Director at VoRAE - Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, Rona Sefedini from Terre des Hommes Kosovo office, and Nathalie Niedoba, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Canada to Croatia and Kosovo.

The award for best conflict-sensitive reporting went to Kreshnik Gashi from "Kallxo.com". Gashi ​​exposed Russian-sponsored disinformation campaigns in the Western Balkans, exploiting ethnic and historical sensitivities to incite tensions and hinder reconciliation.

This award was presented by Vjollca Islami Hajrullahu, project manager at forumZFD - Kosovo office.

The award for best health reporting went to journalist Bujar Vitija, for an article for Kosovo 2.0

Vitija's work revealed alarming rates of infant mortality in Kosovo, especially in minority communities. The investigation highlighted gaps in data, strategy and funding for health care reforms, prompting systemic change.

This award was presented by Ioanna Lachana, head of the communication sector/spokesperson at the EU office in Kosovo.

The award for gender-responsive reporting on women's property rights was won by journalists Merita Miftari from Gazeta Express and Jetlira Ademi from Katror.Info.

Miftari's investigation delves into the legal battle of four sisters from Shtimja, who are fighting for their rightful inheritance. After their brother sold the family property without their consent, the sisters faced threats and institutional delays to seek justice. This story sheds light on the social and systemic challenges women face in seeking property rights and advocates for gender equality in inheritance.

Adem's report from Katrori.Info focuses on Kaltrina Ajeti, a journalist who inherited the family's property in a rare example of equal gender treatment. Despite legal frameworks that guarantee equality, only 19% of properties in Kosovo are owned by women. Ademi underlines the importance of family and institutional roles in the advancement of women's hereditary rights and calls for better implementation of laws to empower women and promote social progress.

This award was presented by Jennifer Ober of USAID's Property Governance Activity.

The award for reporting on climate change and sustainable development was won by the journalist of "Radio Evropa e Lire", Doruntina Baliu.

Baliu's article examines the waste management crisis in Kosovo and the Balkans, highlighting issues such as overflowing landfills and illegal dumping. She links these problems to climate change, noting their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Her work, widely translated and seen across the Balkans, advocates for stronger policies, modern technology and community action to address the crisis and promote sustainable development.

This award was handed by the representative of the campaign "Think Green, Act Green", Shkumbin Kelmendi.

The award for the best reporting on trust building was won by journalist Arbrita Uka.

Uka's report tells the story of a multi-ethnic women's football team in Kosovo, made up of Albanian, Serbian and Bosnian players. These women challenge gender and ethnic stereotypes, using sport as a platform for unity and confidence building. Their cooperation illustrates the potential for peaceful coexistence and equality in all of Kosovo's diverse communities.