Media: European Commission expects Ukraine to restore independent media

The European Commission. Photo: csi.org

The European Commission (EC) is expecting Ukrainian authorities to "gradually restore a transparent, pluralistic, and independent media landscape" by lifting restrictions. This is stated in the EC report regarding the performance of television broadcasters in candidate countries for EU membership, including Ukraine, as reported by the "European Truth".

This expectation from the Ukrainian authorities is not linked to the end of martial law.

One of Brussels' critical remarks also concerns the funding from the state budget for the "Unified News" television marathon. In particular, there are doubts about the objectivity of the marathon.

"In 2023, the Ukrainian government invested state funds in the television marathon project. It is worth reconsidering whether this is the best platform for free discussion," the document states.

Additionally, the EC criticized the authorities' policy regarding the "Rada" channel, whose main task should have been to "disseminate information about parliamentary activities, including the work of parliamentary opposition representatives."

The document, in which the European Commission expressed these critical remarks, is part of the annual report on all candidate countries, including Ukraine. It analyzes the adherence of these countries to the fundamental values of the EU, which include respect for freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

As reported by the UOJ, a U.S. politician stated that journalists in Ukraine are being jailed for reporting on the persecution of the UOC (Ukrainian Orthodox Church).

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