The IJ4EU UNCOVERED Conference returned to Athens on September 25, bringing together investigative journalists from across Europe for a day of candid discussions, bold ideas and lessons learnt.
From lightning talks to lively debates, UNCOVERED 2025 shone a spotlight on the power of cross-border journalism — and the human stories behind it.
Hosted by the iMEdD International Journalism Forum for the second year running, the event fostered new connections, fresh collaborations and a renewed sense of purpose among Europe’s investigative community.
On September 26, the spotlight turned to the IJ4EU Impact Awards, celebrating cross-border investigations that made a difference.
Scroll through the gallery for highlights from UNCOVERED 2025 — from packed auditoriums and lively networking sessions to the teams whose work is reshaping journalism across borders.
From all across Europe
The day began with registration and coffee as participants gathered to reconnect and meet new colleagues from across Europe.
Moving and shaking
Timothy Large (International Press Institute), Zlatina Siderova (European Journalism Centre), Deniz Bozkurt (European Centre for Press and Media Freedom) and Anna Kynthia Bousdoukou (iMEdD) welcomed participants, setting the tone for a day dedicated to collaboration and sharing. Attendees got warmed up with some icebreakers.
Cross-border snapshots #1
The opening session delivered five rapid-fire Cross-Border Snapshots. Journalists shared one big lesson each from reporting on sensitive issues ranging from elderly abuse in nursing homes to gender-based violence against migrant domestic workers. The session featured Natalie Donback, Stefania D’Ignoti, Hanna Jarzabek, Ella Joyner and Hazar Deniz Eker. It was moderated by Deniz Bozkurt.
Freelancers and newsrooms
How can freelancers and newsrooms work together more effectively? A spirited panel explored the challenges and opportunities of these relationships. Featuring Gian-Paolo Accordo, editor-in-chief of Voxeurop, and freelancers Giacomo Zandonini and Natalie Donback. Moderated by Zlatina Siderova.
Stress and burnout
Emma Thomasson, a former Reuters bureau chief who works as a media adviser and trainer specialising in leadership, communication, strategy and workplace wellbeing, addressed the hidden toll of investigative reporting in Carrying the Weight, a session on facing burnout and trauma in journalism.
Cross-border snapshots #2
The next round of snapshots ranged from Italy and Albania’s migrant centres to the global arms trade, revealing the breadth of investigations supported by IJ4EU. Featuring Andrei Popoviciu, Anas Ambri and Marguerite Meyer. Moderated by Juliette Gerbais.
Test your knowledge
Laughter and competition filled the room during the UNCOVERED Quiz Challenge, moderated by Timothy Large.
‘We need to talk about power dynamics’
Ruona Meyer, co-founder of Mahala: Decolonising Collaborations, threw down bold claims in We Need to Talk About Power Dynamics, sparking an interactive debate about fairness in cross-border teams.
Cross-border snapshots #3
From the business of deep-sea mining to state-sponsored tech repression, the third set of snapshots showcased the global scope of Europe’s cross-border investigations. Featuring investigative journalists Serdar Vardar, Futura d’Aprile, Milorad Ivanovic, Lukas Diko and Marla Rivera. Moderated by Elena Rodina, Media Freedom Rapid Response coordinator for the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom.
Open mic
In Things We Don’t Talk About (Enough), participants grabbed the microphone to share candid reflections on challenges too often left unspoken. Moderated by IPI’s Milica Miletić.
The day ended with closing remarks, wrapping up a conference that confirmed UNCOVERED as one of Europe’s leading space for cross-border investigative journalism.
Photos by IJ4EU / Chris Anagnostopoulos