EU Awards for Best Investigative Journalism in North Macedonia Presented

October 21, 2024
Five journalists from North Macedonia were handed prizes at the EU Investigative Journalism Awards ceremony on October 18 in Skopje.
Photo: SSNM

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.

Photo: SSNM

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.