Two journalists have been recognised by the European Parliament for their 18-month investigation into migrant detention centres in Albania, uncovering concerns over transparency, public spending and human rights under an agreement with Italy.The prestigious European Parliament award was presented on Wednesday in Strasbourg, recognising an 18-month investigation by journalists Giacomo Zandonini and Maite Vermeulen, published by Dutch journalism platform De Correspondent.Their investigation examined an agreement under which Italy established migrant detention and asylum processing centres in Albania, allowing migrants travelling towards Italy to be transferred to a country outside the European Union. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)According to the investigation, the arrangement was designed to fast-track asylum procedures and facilitate the deportation of migrants whose applications were rejected.The journalists explored why several European countries have viewed the agreement as a potential model for the future of EU migration policy, while raising questions about transparency, accountability and human rights.Over the course of 18 months, Zandonini and Vermeulen submitted more than 30 Freedom of Information requests across six European countries, as well as to the European Commission, the Council and EU border agency Frontex.They also followed financial transactions and interviewed detained migrants, lawyers, government representatives, politicians, centre employees and residents in Albania.However, the investigation faced significant obstacles.The journalists were denied access to the Italian-run facilities, while basic information, including the number of people detained, remained undisclosed.Their reporting also found that expenditure had been processed through emergency procedures that bypassed public procurement processes, while staff were required to sign non-disclosure agreements.The investigation was selected from 344 submissions received from journalists across the European Union, with 10 entries making the final shortlist.European Parliament President Roberta Metsola attended the award ceremony, held in the Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room in Strasbourg, alongside Vice-President Pina Picierno.Speaking during the ceremony, Metsola paid tribute to the murdered Maltese journalist and reiterated the European Parliament’s commitment to defending press freedom.“Nine years after Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally murdered for exposing corruption, our determination to see justice served remains as strong as ever,” Metsola said.“Those who wanted to silence her failed. Her stories have travelled further than ever, and her courage continues to inspire.”She stressed that the award honours Daphne’s courage and commitment to uncovering the truth, while pledging continued support for journalists across Europe.“The European Parliament will continue to support journalists, defend press freedom and fight for justice. We have no intention of stopping,” she added.The Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism was established in memory of the Maltese investigative journalist, who was assassinated in a car bomb explosion on 16th October 2017.The annual award recognises journalism that promotes and defends fundamental European values, including democracy, human rights, equality, freedom and the rule of law.It carries a €20,000 prize and is awarded by an independent jury of journalists representing EU Member States.Previous winners have investigated major international issues, including Russia’s shadow oil fleet, missing migrant children in Europe, the Pylos migrant shipwreck and the Pegasus spyware scandal.Nine years after Daphne’s assassination, the prize continues to recognise investigative reporting that challenges powerful institutions and exposes matters of public interest. Video credits to @daphne.foundation•