Swedish Union of Journalists to Help Reform NUJU

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and the Swedish Union of Journalists (SJF) are launching a new joint project aimed at supporting Ukrainian journalists and strengthening independent media in times of war. The initiative will last 18 months and is funded by the Swedish Institute (SI), which has decided to allocate SEK 2 million (approximately EUR 180,000) for its implementation. The project is part of this year’s wave of the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme, within which the Institute has supported 47 Ukrainian-Swedish partnerships for a total of 80 million kronor.

A partnership based on shared values

The Director General of the Swedish Institute, Madeleine Sjöstedt, emphasizes that such partnerships have particular importance in the current conditions:

“Through joint projects and educational programs, we contribute to the restoration of Ukraine, its democracy, and European integration. Such initiatives strengthen the resilience of both countries.”

Representative of the Swedish Union of Journalists Victoria da Silva emphasizes that the cooperation is based on shared values ​​and professional principles:

“We share the same vision with our Ukrainian colleagues on the importance of freedom of speech, independent media, and professional standards. Our goal is to modernize and strengthen the work of journalistic organizations, promote the development of the professional community, and raise standards of ethics and self-regulation.”

Critical support in times of war

The project is launched at a time when Ukrainian journalists are working under constant shelling, in a state of emotional exhaustion and economic uncertainty. That is why international support has both professional and moral significance.

President of the NUJU Sergiy Tomilenko emphasizes:

“Swedish colleagues demonstrate the level of solidarity and professional organization that journalistic communities around the world aspire to. For us, this is a chance not only to learn, but also to change – strengthening regional branches, developing membership services, and building effective protection for journalists.”

What the cooperation entails

In the next 18 months, the NUJU and the Swedish Union of Journalists will focus on:

• strengthening and modernizing the work of NUJU regional organizations,
• professional training and exchange of experience between Ukrainian and Swedish journalists,
• preparation of new educational and methodological materials,
• development of membership services and updating the Union’s internal procedures,
• support for local and independent media newsrooms.

Reference Information

The strengthening of cooperation between the NUJU and the Swedish Union of Journalists was agreed upon during NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko’s visit to the SJF Congress in March 2025. Then, Congress delegates held a special session of solidarity with Ukrainian journalists, and the Swedish Union of Journalists received a Special Award from the NUJU for its support of Ukraine and its media community.