EU allocates €10 million to support independent media in Ukraine

The European Union will allocate a €10 million aid package to support independent media outlets in Ukraine, the EU Delegation to Ukraine announced on March 21.

According to the delegation, one of the EU’s core values is supporting a “a vibrant independent media space, as a key cornerstone of democracy.”

“Support to independent media is particularly important given the strength of the Russia hybrid and disinformation war. This new funding (€10 million – ed.) builds on more than €100 million the European Union has already invested in independent media since 2017,” the statement of the EU Delegation to Ukraine reads.

Therefore, the EU will provide €10 million for independent media, to ensure their sustainability and to allow this important pillar of democracy to thrive. This initiative will provide grants to a range of media organisations that will in turn support individual independent journalists and media outlets through sub-grants:

• €3 million for Internews Europe to support media in war-affected regions and promote investigative journalism.
• €2 million to Reporters Without Borders, funding protection measures for at-risk journalists and supporting small media outlets.
• €1 million to the Institute for Mass Information for small and medium-sized media outlets.
• A further €1 million will be allocated to smaller-scale projects, such as the Black Sea Foundation and the Docudays festival.

“Additional €3 million will be allocated through a new call for proposals in May 2025. It will focus on strengthening local and regional media outlets and supporting investigative journalism in Ukraine,” the EU Delegation to Ukraine informed.

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernová stated that Russia’s aggression extends beyond the battlefield; Russia uses massive disinformation to “undermine unity and reduce international support.”

“A strong independent media in Ukraine is more crucial than ever, and EU funding will help sustain it. As Russia wages a war on the truth itself, EU stands unwavering,” stressed Katarina Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine.

Last year, Ukraine improved its position in the Press Freedom Index, published in May 2024 by the international organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Ukraine ranked 61st out of 180, an improvement of 18 positions compared to the 2023 ranking.

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