On 24–25 February, a delegation from the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine visited Italy. The purpose of the visit was to learn about best practices in audiovisual media regulation and officially launch the Twinning project Reforming Audiovisual Media Regulation in Ukraine in line with EU standards and international best practices. The project commenced on 10 January 2025 and is scheduled to last for 18 months. Its primary objective is to align Ukrainian media standards with European norms, with a view to enhancing the transparency and consistency of state policy in this area.
During working meetings with experts from Italy, France, Germany and Greece, the Ukrainian side outlined priority topics, while European colleagues shared their experience, which will be useful for achieving qualitative and tangible changes in Ukrainian media space.
The first day of the visit was devoted to discussing current trends in the media market. Experts from France, Germany and Greece shared their views on the development of the industry, while Italian colleagues spoke about the basic principles of the local press. On behalf of the National Council, the project is managed by Yevhen Perelygin, Head of the Ukrainian media regulator’s office. He emphasised that a comprehensive understanding of European legislation is essential for effective collaboration with international partners.
On the second day, the Project Steering Committee convened a meeting to discuss the work plan for the coming months. Representatives of the National Council articulated their preferences with regard to the prioritisation of thematic areas.
During the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on the new European regulations in the field of online content, which have a significant impact on the rules governing the functioning of digital platforms and the media market in general. During the meeting, experts discussed three key EU acts: the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aims to ensure media independence, strengthen the protection of journalists from political pressure and introduce clear rules on transparency of ownership in the media sector. For Ukraine, this means significant changes to the regulation of audiovisual services and the media market in general.
- The Digital Services Act (DSA) establishes new obligations for online platforms, including social networks and marketplaces, regarding content moderation, combating disinformation and protecting users. This is particularly relevant for Ukraine at a time of threats related to Russian propaganda, disinformation and information manipulation.
- The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is intended to regulate the activities of large technology companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon, with a view to preventing monopolisation of the digital market. The act will create new opportunities for the development of Ukrainian digital media and platforms.
The implementation of the aforementioned acts in Ukraine will be a significant step towards aligning Ukrainian legislation with European standards.
Thanks to these working meetings, participants outlined guidelines for developing the institutional and administrative capacities of Ukraine’s media regulator, discussed prospects for deepening cooperation, and identified key areas for further work within the Twinning project.