How can we maximize the impact of investigative journalism? This was the focus and key dilemma of another session held during the Regional Investigative Journalism Forum, taking place on June 3–4 in Chișinău. International speakers and journalists from Moldova gathered to discuss how to achieve strong feedback and tangible effects from their investigations.

The session was opened by moderator Petru Macovei, director of API, who highlighted the case of Ziarul de Gardă’s undercover investigation, “Serving Moscow”, by journalists Măriuța Nistor and Natalia Zaharescu, which won the European Press Prize in the Investigative Journalism category.

Petru Macovei, Director of API

“We saw a textbook example of a high-impact investigation, but another crucial factor was the solidarity shown with the journalists. The investigation was widely picked up by both national and international media, which significantly amplified its impact.”

Victor Moșneag, Ziarul de Gardă, Moldova

“The investigation had a greater impact than we may have anticipated. But we used a few strategic ideas to ensure maximum resonance. Although it was ready by August, we delayed publication to time it closer to the elections. It wasn’t initially a two-part series—we decided to first reveal only one aspect. After publishing the first part, we felt the public was expecting more. Another impactful tactic was bringing the journalists into the spotlight by telling the story of how they infiltrated undercover.”

Liudmyla Pankratova, RPDI, Ukraine

“In Ukraine, the media is a powerful force, and our investigations prove it. We’ve had many hard-hitting investigations that, arguably, influenced election outcomes. One report—‘Army, Friendship, Money’—was published right before the electoral battle between Poroshenko and Zelensky. The investigation exposed interests of people close to Poroshenko. He ended up losing by a significant margin—over 25%. While it’s hard to measure exactly how much the investigation influenced the result, it undeniably triggered a powerful reaction in society.”

More than 100 participants and 40 moderators and internationally renowned speakers address the challenges facing the profession while also seeking tools and models that enable journalists to drive positive change in their societies—at a historically contentious time.

The Forum features 11 sessions and 5 workshops covering investigative journalism challenges, impact, and strategies for prompting reactions from authorities to issues revealed in journalistic investigations. Discussions also touch on professional solidarity, the value and impact of cross-border projects, the power of professional networks, and the role of civic activism in the context of the Russian hybrid war affecting all of Europe.

A special space is dedicated to training sessions on new tools for database documentation, including new platforms for tracking public money flows in socially sensitive areas, electoral fraud, and measuring the impact of investigations.

Other top-priority topics include the increasing risks faced by journalists, cross-border collaboration and trust-building, alliance and network creation, and strategies for investigating disinformation and propaganda.

For the first time, cybersecurity experts are available to participants, offering voluntary device checks and consultations on digital safety practices.

CIJM’s legal adviser provides ongoing consultation throughout the event, supporting journalists’ rights and offering guidance on accessing public-interest information.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Excellence in Investigative Journalism Awards will be presented. An international jury evaluated more than 35 entries, and the winners will be announced during a festive ceremony on the first day of the Forum.

The second edition of the Regional Investigative Journalism Forum is organized with the support of International Media Support (Denmark), Soros Foundation Moldova, and TacticalTech (Berlin).

Event partners include StarNet, Rezident.NGO, the Faculty of International Relations and Journalism at ULIM, and the companies Azuga, VitaPharm, Gitana, and Nivalli.