AIRPPU brought Ukrainian media’s experience in defending democracy to the European Commission, aiming to move beyond receiving support towards a partnership of equals.
A delegation comprising AIRPPU CEO Oksana Brovko, Finnmedia Director of Public Affairs Riikka Tähtivuori, and News Media Finland media literacy expert Susanna Ahonen held a series of advocacy meetings at the European Commission’s headquarters, the Berlaymont Building in Brussels.
The delegation met with representatives of five European Commission Directorates-General, as well as Dana Spinant, Director-General for Communication, and Sanna Voltti, European correspondent for Finnish broadcaster MTV.
During the meetings, Oksana Brovko presented European Commission officials with three key priorities shaping the future of EU–Ukraine cooperation in the media sector:
- Independent journalism as a cornerstone of democratic resilience. Without economically viable regional media, local communities are left without reliable, verified information, making them vulnerable to information attacks and destabilisation.
- Ukrainian experience as a practical resource for Europe. The solutions developed by Ukrainian newsrooms during the full-scale war offer a unique set of tools to help European countries prepare for crises and counter disinformation before it takes hold.
- Cooperation that goes beyond support to sharing expertise. Ukraine should not simply be a recipient of assistance, but an active partner in shaping European approaches to safeguarding the democratic space.
“Ukrainian regional media should not be seen on the European agenda solely as organisations in need of support. We have experience, solutions and practical approaches that can make Europe stronger. We want to be equal partners in shaping policies to protect democracy,” says AIRPPU CEO Oksana Brovko.
Participants stressed that protecting democracy requires more than simply countering hostile content. It also means ensuring citizens have access to reliable, verified information and strengthening media literacy before crises arise.
The Finnish partners highlighted the exceptional value of Ukraine’s regional media experience. Riikka Tähtivuori (Finnmedia) noted that European media professionals could learn from Ukrainian journalists about maintaining public trust even under the most challenging circumstances.
Susanna Ahonen (News Media Finland) emphasised the importance of Finland’s approaches to media self-regulation and media literacy, which, combined with Ukrainian practices, help strengthen Europe’s resilience against information manipulation.
Developing independent regional journalism, media self-regulation and media literacy also directly contributes to Ukraine’s preparations for EU membership.
The dialogue between AIRPPU, Finnish media organisations and the European Commission will continue, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession process and efforts to involve Ukrainian experts in the work of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience.
