Call for Proposals: Western Balkans Sustainable Energy Journalism Award

The award celebrates the best journalists’ stories covering investigations and reporting about sustainable energy.

Purpose

• The purpose of the award is to honour journalists whose work published in media outlets during the eligible period has actively encouraged excellence and innovation in the field of sustainable energy.
• The award serves as a platform to acknowledge, motivate and validate the efforts of journalists who dedicate themselves to investigating these vital subjects.
• It also provides an opportunity for networking and collaboration among Western Balkan journalists and international experts in the related areas. In so doing, the award not only celebrates excellence in journalism but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among those committed to addressing and informing the public about critical environmental issues.

Prize Information

• The best three stories will receive prizes. The total prize fund for this year is €6,000.
  • The first prize winner receives €3,000,
  • The second prize winner receives €2,000,
  • The third prize winner receives €1,000.

Topics and Format

• Applications should include journalistic pieces published in print, radio, TV or online format. Submissions in other formats, including podcasts, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram investigative series, are also welcome. Cross-border stories in which journalists from different countries collaborate are also eligible for this call. Among the topics expected to be covered are ones related to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, sustainable urban planning, policy and regulations related to sustainable energy, and others.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individual journalists or a team of journalists from the six Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) may apply.
• Previous winners of the Western Balkans Sustainable Energy Journalism Awards can submit their works published within the eligible period.
• Journalists or groups of journalists can apply with more than one story. For group applications, at least one of the participating journalists seeking the award must hold the citizenship of one of the Western Balkan countries.
• Individuals from Western Balkan countries who are affiliated with BIRN’s network members (working or being engaged) are eligible to apply. The impartiality of the judges and the transparency and accountability of the selection process will be ensured through the participation of judges nominated by the European Climate Foundation.

For more information, visit BIRN.