Ukrainian journalism under fire: ECPMF and Lviv Media Forum in Perugia

The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), in partnership with Lviv Media Forum, will host a panel discussion at the International Journalism Festival 2026 in Perugia on 16 April, from 15:00 to 15:50 at Teatro della Sapienza. The session is listed in the official festival programme as “Ukrainian journalism under fire: media resilience in the fifth year of war”.

As Russia’s full-scale war continues, journalists in Ukraine are working under extreme pressure. Reporters face direct threats to their safety while covering the front lines, alongside growing financial strain across the media sector following the withdrawal of key international support. These pressures raise urgent questions about how independent journalism can continue to operate in wartime and what forms of support are needed to sustain it.

Bringing together leading voices from across the Ukrainian media landscape, the discussion will examine the realities facing journalists in Kyiv, in the regions and on the front lines. It will also explore the longer-term resilience of the sector, including the economic sustainability of independent and regional media.

The panel will draw on Lviv Media Forum’s recent research into the financial situation and future prospects of Ukrainian media after the end of USAID support. Together, the speakers will reflect on the challenges facing the sector and the importance of sustained international engagement to help safeguard independent journalism in Ukraine.

Speakers:
Ola Myrovych, Head of Lviv Media Forum
Mariya Frey, Member of the Managing Board at Suspilne Ukraine
Yelyzaveta Kovtun, COO at Frontliner

Moderator:
Olha Syrotiuk, Programme Coordinator at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

A live stream of the session will be available on the Lviv Media Forum Facebook page. Full festival programme: International Journalism Festival, Perugia, 15–18 April 2026.

Georgia: Afgan Sadygov’s deportation represents a stark example of transnational repression, demands urgent international response

The undersigned MFRR partners, and other media freedom, journalist and freedom of expression organisations today condemn the arrest and deportation of Afgan Sadygov, founder of Azerbaijani news outlet and youtube channel Azel.tv from Georgia to Azerbaijan. Sadygov’s deportation constitutes a blatant violation of Georgia’s commitments under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and demands strong international condemnation.

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Slovakia: Bill on media regulatory restructuring and public media layoffs a crucial test for EMFA

The undersigned partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) today express alarm regarding a legislative proposal by the Slovak government currently being reviewed by the parliament that aims to significantly restructure Slovakia’s media regulatory body. If this proposal is adopted, it would concentrate broad powers in the hands of a single chairperson, which could weaken the body’s independence and violate the new European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). The developments come amidst the dismissal of the former chair of the regulator.

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Serbian authorities must stop the spiral of violence against journalists

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) mission in Serbia reports alarming levels of violence, online attacks, and impunity against journalists, urging authorities to protect press freedom.

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ECPMF joins Coalition against Transnational Repression in Germany

ECPMF joins a coalition to address transnational repression in Germany and strengthen protection for journalists and human rights defenders in exile.

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Hungary: Espionage charges against investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi ahead of elections mark another dangerous step toward Orbán’s authoritarian rule

The MFRR condemns espionage charges against investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi as a grave escalation in Hungary’s crackdown on independent journalism ahead of the 12 April elections.

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