In response to the challenges faced by Ukraine’s journalistic community, ECPMF has launched the Voices of Ukraine programme.
Voices of Ukraine is ECPMF’s programme to support Ukrainian media, initiated with the backing of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This programme is part of the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Commissioner for Culture and Media, aimed at protecting journalists at risk. The Hannah-Arendt-Initiative supports journalists threatened by the war in Ukraine and contributes to strengthening independent journalism.
The programme entails emergency grants for journalists on the ground in Ukraine, supporting a total of 154 regional editorial offices and media professionals. The stipends provide these journalists with an income that enables them to continue their work and report independently. Additionally, the Fix Media Foundation replaced outdated or broken equipment such as cameras, computers and mobile phones in 310 cases. The project also features special support for female journalists by Women in Media, granting 180 female journalists emergency assistance. Furthermore, the Association of Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine will provide 1.140 days of insurance coverage for media workers on the front line, as well as a safety training for media professionals.
In addition, “Voices of Ukraine” supports the Journalists-in-Residence programme in Kosovo, run by ECPMF and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ). It provides 20 fellowships for Ukrainian media workers including a furnished apartment, health care, psychosocial support and professional training. 50 Ukrainian journalists and their family members are also taking part in the short-term residency in Ukraine by the Lviv Media Forum.
The third element of “Voices of Ukraine” consists of training and publication support offered by the ECPMF, whereas 30 Ukrainian articles will be featured on the news website Voxeurope in several languages and 30 regional editorial offices will be supported in the realisation of training and further education measures.
“We hope the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative will establish itself as a forum, coordinator and funder of the support programmes for the protection of journalists proposed and delivered by German civil society organisations. No further proof is needed to show that journalists, especially women journalists, local journalists and journalists belonging to minorities or reporting about issues of those, are threatened all over the world”, says Lutz Kinkel, ECPMF’s Managing Director.
“Our programme “Voices of Ukraine” reacts to the repeatedly articulated needs on the ground in Ukraine. The media market in the country completely collapsed. The programme provides working stipends, a safe space outside the country and the possibility to engage for the future of the Ukrainian media system. These offers complement the existing projects ECPMF is running in support of threatened journalists in Europe.”
