EU4Green is proud to announce Esmeralda Keta, journalist at Top Channel Albania, as the winner of the EU4Green Green Journalism Award 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to raising awareness on environmental protection and advancing the green transiion in the Western Balkans.

The Green Journalism Award celebrates journalistic excellence that deepens public understanding of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, a shared regional pathway toward cleaner air and water, sustainable growth, and climate resilience. The initiative aims to spotlight exceptional reporting, encourage informed debate, and highlight the essential role of credible media in driving the region’s green transformation.

“The award celebrates journalism that goes beyond headlines,” said the evaluation panel. “It rewards those who inform with facts, challenge with evidence, and inspire with vision.”

A Powerful Voice for the Environment

Selected from a diverse range of submissions from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, Esmeralda Keta impressed the jury with her investigative work “Vjosa – ‘Blue Heart’ Endangered: Environmental Massacre in the National Park.”

Published by Top Channel Albania in June 2025, the story exposes the urgent threats facing one of Europe’s most valuable river ecosystems and demonstrates how journalism can hold institutions accountable while amplifying the voice of nature itself.

“Receiving this award reinforces my belief that journalism can protect what cannot speak: our environment,” said Esmeralda Keta. “It’s both a recognition and a responsibility.”

Empowering Regional Environmental Voices

Through this award, EU4Green acknowledges the growing importance of environmental journalism as a bridge between science, policy, and people. Journalists across the Western Balkans are key players in promoting environmental governance and transparency, shaping narratives that motivate collective action for a sustainable future.

As part of the recognition, Esmeralda Keta will receive a Professional Certificate in Environmental Journalism from the London School of International Business (LSIB). The programme will support her in further developing her expertise in environmental communication and strengthen her role as a regional advocate for sustainability.

About the EU4Green Green Journalism Award

Launched under the EU4Green campaign, the Green Journalism Award aims to encourage critical, evidence-based reporting on environmental challenges and opportunities linked to the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. The award seeks to nurture a network of journalists committed to advancing public understanding and accountability in the region’s green transition.