The 2015 EU Awards for Investigative Journalism were presented in the Skopje-based EU Info Center on Friday.
Boris Georgievski won the first prize and EUR 4,000 for his series of texts themed "Dossier Telekom" published at website "Prizma". The second prize and EUR 3,000 went to a group of Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) journalists for their series of stories regarding the Skopje 2014 project.
The inaugural award for best investigative story by a young journalist and EUR 3,000 were presented to Biljana Nikolovska of TV Telma for her series of stories themed "From Unemployed to Inmates: How the System Sentenced and Then Pardoned 15,000 Health Insurance Beneficiaries".
European Commission Director General for Enlargement Christian Danielsson presented the awards, saying they come at a crucial period for the country and added the urgent need for changes in the media field.
"The award, presented in all Western Balkan states and Turkey, focuses on the abuse of power and fundamental rights, corruption and organized crime. Investigative journalism focuses on accountability. The journalists' job is to disclose abuse of power in any level of society, their work is crucial in informing citizens and making politicians more accountable for their actions. They represent the foundation for democracy", stressed Danielsson.
He added the award also aims at promoting the young generation of investigative journalists and a clear signal that the EU and the European Commission would continue with their efforts to protect and strengthen media freedom across Europe.