EFJ unanimously approves Resolution on support for Ukrainian regional media

The General Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) unanimously approved Resolution 24, titled On the Strategic Role of Local Media in Times of War and the Consequences of the Sudden Cessation of International Support, proposed by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).

The Resolution was adopted during the EFJ General Assembly, which took place in Budapest, Hungary, on June 2-3, 2025. The document draws the attention of the European community to the critical situation in which Ukrainian regional media outlets find themselves after the sudden cessation of international financial support earlier this year.

According to the NUJU study, which formed the basis of the Resolution, the situation with the financing of local media in Ukraine has reached a critical level:

26% of local newsrooms are forced to work without paying salaries, relying solely on the volunteer dedication of journalists;
almost half of the publications have financial reserves for only 3-6 months of work;
some newsrooms have resources for only one month;
in frontline regions, traditional sources of income, including advertising, are practically unavailable.

The Resolution emphasizes that the reduction in the activities of Ukrainian media outlets creates information vacuums that are filled with hostile propaganda and rumors. This poses a serious threat to public awareness and the country’s information security.

The document acknowledges the crucial role of local and regional media in providing citizens with accurate information, covering humanitarian situations, combating disinformation, and facilitating communication with local authorities during martial law.

The approved Resolution provides for four key areas of action:

Strengthening international cooperation – The EFJ Steering Committee shall intensify its interaction with the European Commission and member state governments to ensure sustainable support for Ukrainian regional media.
Creating sustainable funding models – International donors shall implement transparent and predictable support mechanisms with a gradual end to programs, allowing newsrooms to adapt and maintain continuity of work.
Flexible response mechanisms – creating a system of operational assistance to independent newsrooms in crisis conditions, especially in regions at the highest risk of losing access to reliable information.
The solidarity of the journalistic community – support for the NUJU in monitoring and assisting local frontline media through information campaigns, joint statements, and partnership initiatives of all EFJ member organizations.

The unanimous approval of the Resolution demonstrates the unity of the European journalistic community in supporting Ukraine and understanding the strategic importance of independent media in times of war. This decision lays the groundwork for systematic international support for Ukrainian regional publications. It may serve as a catalyst for the resumption of funding for critical media projects.

The NUJU will continue to monitor the situation with local media and work on implementing the provisions of the approved Resolution together with European partners.