Strengthening media literacy, freedom of expression and responsible journalism is a key priority, especially during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine when information is weaponised and the ability to critically assess content is essential for democratic resilience. Supporting young creators in developing responsible, ethical and professional approaches to media is therefore an important investment in the future of journalism. 

Within this framework, the Council of Europe project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine – Phase II” supported the Reporter Camp 2026, an educational programme for young journalists, held in Lviv, Ukraine, on 26-28 January 2026. The camp was organised by the National Media Literacy Project "Filter", implemented under the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, in partnership with the OSCE, Suspilne Ukraine and the UCU School of Journalism and Communications.

The Camp brought together ten winners of the National Student Video Contest “Reporter”, whose video works stood out for a thoughtful and responsible approach to socially important topics. Drawing on their own experiences, participants addressed the lives of young people during the war, the role of women in sustaining communities, the importance of culture, and the challenges of navigating today’s information environment – including distinguishing facts from manipulation. 

A central theme of the Camp was the responsibility that comes with working with information. Participants discussed how to tell complex and sensitive stories without causing harm and why adherence to professional standards is essential for protecting both audiences and journalists themselves. Very often the fight for journalists’ rights and freedom of expression often takes years and, in some cases, reaches the European Court of Human Rights. Even when violations are recognised at the European level, implementation at the national level requires sustained effort – including improving investigations of crimes against journalists, strengthening protections against abusive lawsuits (SLAPPs) and fostering a media culture that does not tolerate manipulation or deliberate falsehoods. These issues underline why professional ethics, verification and critical thinking remain fundamental skills for future journalists. 

The educational programme combined theory with practical learning. Sessions focused on how to start in journalism responsibly, providing participants with an understanding of newsroom standards, ethical decision-making and the realities of media work. A separate lecture introduced the principles of investigative journalism, highlighting the importance of verification, accuracy and public accountability. Practical workshops on video skills and filmmaking helped participants develop their storytelling techniques, while a session on artificial intelligence and media explored how to use AI tools wisely, create content responsibly and avoid disinformation and fakes. 

The second day of the camp was dedicated to direct engagement with the media sector. Participants visited Suspilne Lviv, the regional branch of Ukraine’s public broadcaster, where they learned about the work of public service media and took part in a lecture on its role, values and standards. 

The Reporter Camp 2026 demonstrated that ethical, responsible and standards-based journalism can begin at a young age, when young people are given the opportunity to learn, practise and engage with professionals. By supporting such initiatives, the Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine – II Phase”, together with national partners, contributes to building a new generation of media professionals who understand their role in protecting freedom of expression, democratic values and the public interest. 

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.