The S-INFO Prize Ceremony, held on Tuesday, 10 December, brought together journalists, mentors, NGOs, and supporters of investigative journalism from across Europe. Organized under the S-INFO – Sustainable Information project and supported by the European Commission, the ceremony showcased eight talented journalists selected from Italy, Belgium, Malta, and Romania, each partnered with a local NGO to support their research efforts.
The winners were chosen for their innovative proposals addressing critical issues such as ecology, social rights, and corruption. Over the next six months, they will receive financial support and expert mentorship to develop their investigations, which will be published on partner media platforms and the S-INFO website in multiple languages.
The winning investigative projects were selected based on rigorous criteria emphasizing journalistic value, originality, and impact. Proposals had to align with the S-INFO project’s goals of fostering independent, pluralistic media while addressing themes such as corruption, social and human rights, and environmental issues. Priority was given to investigations demonstrating intersectionality, innovation, and potential for tangible societal impact. All submissions adhered to the highest ethical and legal standards, ensuring a diverse, inclusive, and meaningful contribution to the communities they represent.
Meet the Winners and Their Partner Organizations:
- From Italy:
- Michele Filippucci in collaboration with Open Olympics: his research will investigate the environmental costs and hidden economical interests of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina.
- One of the awarded investigations is currently being conducted undercover; details about this work will be shared at a later date to ensure the integrity of the journalist’s work
- From Belgium:
- Florence Hainaut in collaboration with Child Focus: her research will uncover how young girls in Belgium are abducted and sexually exploited and how governmental and police forces are unprepared to contrast this phenomenon.
- Oscar Pirlot in collaboration with Basta! Belgium: his research will focus on how eco-mafias operate in Belgium through money laundering and public financing with dire consequences on the climate crisis.
- From Malta:
- Mehk Chakraborty in collaboration with Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM): her research will focus on the conditions of LGBTQIA migrants in Malta and the contraddiction between the treatmeant of LGBTQIA migrants and the perceived safety of the LGBTQIA community in the country.
- Victor Borg in collaboration with Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar: his research will focus on the the erosion of rule of law and democracy in the planning sector in Malta and on its consequences for the environment.
- From Romania:
- Darius Galbinasu in collaboration with Asociatia Parentis: his research will explore the psychological impact of media content aimed at children such as Cocomelon, emphasizing its negative effects and the economic motivations of producers.
- Georgiana Anghel Pange in collaboration with Info Clima: her research will investigate the state of climate risk assessment and adaptation in Romanian cities focusing on the capital city of Bucharest.
The event also featured an insightful presentation by policy officer Marjin Duventsein who discussed the critical role of investigative journalism in upholding democracy.
As the S-INFO project continues through 2025, we look forward to the impactful stories these talented journalists will bring to light. Their investigations represent the power of journalism as a catalyst for awareness and change, rooted in local contexts yet addressing global issues. Stay tuned for updates on their work!
Re-live the event through the live tweet by heading to our twitter account: https://x.com/ScomEu