Media as a cornerstone of democracy and public trust, alignment of Ukrainian legislation with European standards, the resilience and development of newsrooms during wartime, media literacy and countering disinformation, ethical standards of journalism, the role of public service media, technological transformation of the sector, the future of print media, and the use of artificial intelligence in journalism - these were the key themes of the 10th Donbas Media Forum 2025 “Freedom of Speech vs Freedom of Lies”.
Participants focused on the safety of journalists working in combat zones, the release of Ukrainian journalists from Russian captivity, inclusiveness in media, and the role of Ukrainian journalism on the international stage.
“For many years, the Council of Europe has worked closely with Ukraine to advance freedom of expression, freedom of the media and media pluralism. Today, amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression and Ukraine’s path towards European integration, this co-operation has become even more vital,”- stated Mr Maciej Janczak, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, in his address to the Forum.
Within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media in Ukraine – Phase II” (SFEM-UA), seven legal opinions were prepared this year by Council of Europe experts on draft laws related to media regulation. These opinions covered issues such as journalists’ access to public institutions, regulation of information-sharing platforms, amendments to the Criminal Code (including information-related offences under martial law), changes to the Law “On Advertising”, and new administrative provisions potentially affecting journalists and civil society actors. However, several proposals currently under consideration in Parliament appear inconsistent with European standards on freedom of expression and raise serious concern.
Recent legislative initiatives have also sparked debate about the state of media freedom in Ukraine. In particular, draft law No. 14057, registered in the Verkhovna Rada on 21 September, proposes substantial amendments to the Civil Code of Ukraine that could increase liability for critical publications and pose risks for investigative journalism. The draft also stipulates that any information not confirmed by a court decision should be considered false, while expressing an opinion could trigger sanctions.
The Forum underlined the crucial role of an independent public broadcaster, which ensures access to reliable information, fosters trust in society, and guarantees representation for all communities across Ukraine. At the same time, it was emphasised that print media, despite ongoing digital transformation, remain a relevant part of the media ecosystem, particularly in local and frontline communities.
The Council of Europe Project SFEM-UA provided expert and technical support to several key sessions of the Forum, including:
- “Amendments to Media Legislation on Ukraine’s Path to the EU” – moderated by Maksym Dvorovyi;
- “What Future Awaits Public Broadcasting?” – moderated by Natalia Lygachova-Chernolutska;
- “Ukrainian Newspapers: Is There a Place for Classic Media?” – moderated by Lina Kushch;
- “Self- and Co-regulation of the Media Industry” – moderated by Uliana Feshchuk.
The Forum has become one of Ukraine’s leading platforms for professional exchange and dialogue in the media sector, bringing together journalists, editors, experts, and international partners. This year, it gathered over 1,426 participants, held 75 discussions and workshops, and involved 88 partners, demonstrating a strong and continued commitment to the development of independent media, professional standards, and information security in 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.
