Resolution On Strategic Role of Local Media During War and the Consequences of the Sudden Termination of International Support

Submitted by the NUJU and approved by the General Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), held in Budapest, Hungary, 2-3 June 2025.

ON THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF LOCAL MEDIA DURING WAR AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUDDEN TERMINATION OF INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Tabled by NUJU (Ukraine)

The General Meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), meeting in Budapest, Hungary, on 2-3 June, 2025,

Recalling the EFJ’s commitment to defending press freedom, journalists’ safety, and the sustainable development of independent journalism across Europe, particularly in conflict and crisis situations;

Recognizing the vital role of local and regional media in Ukraine in providing citizens with reliable information, covering humanitarian situations, combating disinformation, and facilitating communication with local authorities during martial law;

Concerned about the consequences of the sudden termination of international financial support at the beginning of 2025, which has destabilized dozens of independent newsrooms in Ukraine;

Alarmed that:

• • 26% of local newsrooms in Ukraine are forced to operate without paying salaries,
    relying exclusively on journalists’ volunteer dedication;
  • Nearly half of media outlets have reserves for only 3-6 months, with some having
    resources for just one month;
  • Newsrooms are forced to reduce publication volume, downsize staff, postpone projects, or cease operations entirely;
  • In frontline regions, other revenue sources for media, particularly advertising, are virtually inaccessible, and international aid was the only survival option;
  • Information vacuums created by the reduction of Ukrainian media activities are being filled with enemy propaganda and rumors, posing serious risks to public awareness;

Emphasizing that supporting local journalism is a key element of information security, especially during a full-scale war;

The EFJ General Meeting, therefore:

1. calls on the EFJ Steering Committee to strengthen engagement with international
   partners, particularly the European Commission and member state governments, to
   ensure sustainable support for Ukrainian regional media;
2. recommends that international donors implement sustainable support models for independent media that provide transparency, predictability, and mechanisms for
   gradual program completion, allowing newsrooms to adapt in a timely manner and
   maintain operational continuity;
3. supports the creation of flexible response mechanisms capable of providing promptassistance to independent newsrooms in crisis conditions, particularly in regions wherethe risk of losing access to reliable information is highest;
4. supports the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine in its monitoring and supportof local frontline media and calls on all EFJ member organizations to show solidarity
   through information campaigns, joint statements, and partnership initiatives.

This resolution is based on NUJU research data: nuju.org.ua – 26% of Ukrainian regional media outlets work without salaries