EU Commits €3 Million to Strengthen Ukraine’s Independent Media

The European Union has announced a new €3 million support package for independent media in Ukraine.

The Gaze reports this, referring to an announcement made by EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová.

She said the fresh funding underscores Europe’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom at a time when Russian attacks are targeting not only energy and transport infrastructure but also media institutions.

On 18 November, Russian drones hit the Suspilne building in Dnipro, blowing out windows, collapsing parts of the roof and ceilings, sparking fires, and leaving two people injured. 

“The importance of independent journalism in Ukraine needs no explanation – especially now, amid a scandal that has shaken the country,” Mathernová wrote, noting that the issue was discussed in recent meetings with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, her cabinet, and EU member-state ambassadors.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU has already mobilized roughly €250 million to support Ukrainian civil society, journalists, and media organizations. 

According to Mathernová, the new initiative is part of a broader effort to protect democratic values under threat.

“The European Union is supporting not only reforms and Ukraine’s reconstruction, but also the values that define Europe: freedom of expression, transparency, access to independent media, and integrity,” she said.

In October, the EU also launched three additional projects worth a combined €6.6 million aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s media resilience and countering disinformation.

As The Gaze previously reported, on October 23, two journalists from Ukraine’s international broadcaster were killed in Kramatorsk after their vehicle was struck by a Russian Lancet loitering munition.