The third member of the team, Serbian journalist Sanja Petrov, was also present at the award ceremony. The award-winning journalists, who conducted the investigation with financial support from Journalismfund Europe, shared the second prize with the BIRN Macedonia team for their investigation and database on the religious properties of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric and the Islamic Religious Community.
"The investigation by Aleksandar Metodijev and Suzana Miceva, published in several media outlets, reveals systemic corruption, energy dependence and serious institutional shortcomings within REK “Bitola”.’ The Commission emphasises the importance of this investigation because it addresses several issues of public interest, including corruption, energy security, the environment, public health and the social consequences of transition. This investigation is recognised for its fieldwork, its use of relevant data, and its ability to elevate a local problem to the level of a fundamental national issue. The investigation demonstrates responsible and mature journalism, placing the problem within a broader social and developmental context", states the Commission’s explanation for awarding the prize.
The commission points out that the investigation has revealed fraud relating to the exploitation of the plant, as well as coal dust, self-igniting sludge, serious infrastructure decay and pollution affecting the population of Novaci. The population is also concerned about the planned regional landfill.
"In the context of Macedonia’s obligation to close the Bitola coal-fired power plant by 2027 and reduce its dependence on coal, the investigation raises the issue of a just transition. According to the World Bank, this will affect around 66,000 workers in Pelagonia, one of the most vulnerable regions. Following public debate and institutional reaction, the Minister of Energy visited the plant, and the director was dismissed," the Commission’s explanation continues. The official reason given for the change in CEO was personal reasons cited by the director.
Overall, the Commission believes that the best stories this year are characterised by thorough fact-checking, the use of a variety of sources, a serial or long-term investigative approach, a clear structure, and the ability to translate complex topics into accessible and influential journalistic pieces. These values affirm the vital role of investigative journalism in holding institutions to account and as a cornerstone of democratic society.
A total of 42 stories were submitted for this year's competition, which ran from 27 January to 17 February 2026. These were compiled into 122 articles and video reports.
The 'Nikola Mladenov' Award is a prestigious recognition of investigative journalism in Macedonia, established in 2001. Since 2013, it has been named after the prominent journalist and founder of the weekly magazine Fokus, who died in unclear circumstances in a car accident in 2013 during the authoritarian regime of Nikola Gruevski, a period when independent and critical journalism was under intense pressure.
