Europe Foundation continues to support investigative journalism in Georgia to promote accountable and transparent governance. As part of this initiative, the Foundation announced a competition aimed at awarding media outlets that have tirelessly covered significant current events and have exposed numerous cases of systemic corruption and poor governance.

Europe Foundation recognizes seven media outlets for their outstanding commitment to watchdog reporting and investigative journalism:

•   Batumelebi
•   Georgian News (Mtis Ambebi)
•   IFact
•   Publika
•   Samkhretis Karibche
•   Studio Monitor
•   TV Pirveli investigative journalists' team

Each of these outlets plays a vital role in upholding democracy by reporting on significant events, exposing systemic corruption, and providing evidence to hold those in power accountable. In line with the Foundation’s commitment to fostering media diversity and strengthening watchdog journalism, the awarded outlets represent both national and regional voices, spanning television and online platforms.

The Foundation honors these media organizations for their unwavering dedication to informing the public and covering critical issues. This award both acknowledges their achievements and supports the continuation of their vital investigative work.

"These news organizations exemplify the great investigative reporting with impact that is being done in Georgia despite the huge challenges journalists face. From environmental exposes to hard-won evidence of irregularities in the electoral system, these newsrooms are fearless in their dedication to exposing wrongdoing. Journalists throughout the world who face similar challenges should take inspiration from the work done by these newsrooms. They prove that the relentless pursuit of the truth can win despite the odds." – Mark Horvit, Jury member, Professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

"These news organizations are deeply deserving of these awards because of their sustained and courageous reporting on corrupt practices by public institutions and public officials. Despite increased physical attacks and anti-media legislation, they have continued to expose the coordinated government and oligarch effort to crush democracy in Georgia." - Brant Houston, Jury member, Co-founder of the Global Investigative Journalism Network, Professor at the University of Illinois.