This message was reinforced at the conference “Integrity-Driven Media: How to Preserve Democracy in a Digital World”, which brought together representatives of the Ukrainian authorities, the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine, international partners, and the media community. Participants discussed the challenges facing journalism amid Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, the impact of artificial intelligence, as well as the functioning and regulation of the Ukrainian media landscape in line with the standards of the Council of Europe and the European Union.

In his welcoming address, the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, Maciej Janczak, emphasised: "In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, safeguarding media integrity is essential for the protection of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. This task has become even more urgent in the context of the ongoing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this information battlefield, where truth is often targeted as much as territory, Ukrainian media outlets play a pivotal role. They inform citizens, counter disinformation, document war crimes, and provide the international community with verified, on-the-ground reporting."

During the event, there was a presentation on Suspilne’s achievements and projects, a discussion on media regulation and self-regulation amid the development of artificial intelligence and digital platforms, as well as a debate on ethical standards and the role of major technology companies in ensuring access to information.

The conference was organised on the eve of the submission of Ukraine’s draft State Budget for 2026 – a period when the issue of stable and adequate funding for the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine is particularly relevant. According to Ukrainian legislation, the public broadcaster should receive 0.2% of the previous year’s state expenditure; however, actual funding has remained below this legally defined level for several consecutive years.

Mr Maciej Janczak stressed: "It is of utmost importance that a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism is established for Suspilne in accordance with the best international practices and Council of Europe standards. We therefore trust that the Ukrainian government will reaffirm its commitment by establishing a clear and sustainable funding mechanism for Suspilne. Supporting Suspilne is an investment in Ukraine’s democratic future, social cohesion, and the protection of fundamental freedoms for all citizens."

Conference participants supported the need to strengthen co-operation in the field of media reform, particularly regarding the protection of freedom of expression, countering disinformation, and supporting public broadcasting.

From the Council of Europe’s side, these efforts include legal expertise, the development of strategic documents in line with Council of Europe and European Union standards, countering disinformation and propaganda, promoting media literacy, as well as strengthening institutional capacity through regional forums, international conferences, and experience sharing.

The event was co-organised by the Centre for Democracy and the Rule of Law in co-operation with Public Broadcasting, the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Humanitarian and Information Policy, and with the support of the Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine – II Phase” (SFEM-UA) and the OSCE Programme Support for Ukraine.

The Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine – II Phase” (SFEM-UA) is implemented by the Council of Europe  Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.