CEI SEEMO Award for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism 2026

The CEI SEEMO Award recognises excellence in investigative reporting that fosters informed public dialogue, promotes transparency and accountability, and reinforces the role of independent, ethical, and responsible media in democratic societies, and has been a leading regional journalism recognition since its launch in 2008. It aims at honouring the work carried out by investigative journalists and their contribution to investigative reporting despite the difficult conditions under which they often have to operate.

• The Award is divided into two categories: Professional Journalists (4,000 EUR) and Young Professional Journalists, born on/after 1996 (1,000 EUR)
• Print, Radio, TV, news agencies and online media are admitted
• The awarding ceremony will take place during the Southeast Europe Media Forum (SEEMF) to be held in Skopje, North Macedonia, on 16-17 November 2026
• Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of journalistic quality, accuracy, methodological rigor, ethical standards, relevance to the public interest, and demonstrated professional integrity

Requirements

• The Call is open to nationals of the following CEI Member States: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine (Belarus has been suspended of its rights of representation in the CEI as of 25 March 2022)
• Category 1: candidates who have been actively involved in investigative reporting over the last three years and are still active in journalism
• Category 2: candidates who have been actively involved in investigative reporting, even in the context of training activities organised by schools/universities/NGOs, and should have published at least one investigative story meeting all professional standards

How to apply

Complete the online application form, uploading a CV, recommendation letter(s), and up to three samples of journalistic work in a single PDF (minimum two samples for Category 1, one for Category 2), by 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST). Apply here.

For more information, please visit this page.