Why democracy in the Eastern Partnership needs strong independent media

This message was central to recent discussions in Stockholm. Journalists Lusine Grigoryan from Armenia, Cristina Bobirca from Moldova, Svitlana Stetsenko from Ukraine, and Yauheni Pylchanka from Belarus shared their experiences with Swedish partners, civil society, and media representatives. The event was organised by ForumCiv and Fojo Media Institute within the Swedish Eastern Partnership Network. Maria Persson Löfgren from Swedish Radio moderated the discussion.

Armenia: Hate speech, legal pressure, and digital attacks have increased, often linked to foreign actors. 

Lusine Grigoryan described how Armenia’s media landscape remains relatively open but is becoming more polarised. Hate speech, legal pressure, and digital attacks have increased, often linked to foreign actors. More than 160 incidents targeting journalists were recorded last year, including violence during protests. She noted that funding gaps have widened after the end of a major donor programme, leaving outlets vulnerable ahead of elections.

Cristina Bobirca highlighted the sharp increase in threats against journalists in Moldova, especially during election periods. Cyberattacks, smear campaigns, and coordinated harassment are now frequent. Russian disinformation networks have become more active, often using fake news and AI-generated content to target voters. Many newsrooms lack the resources and security systems needed to respond effectively.

Ukraine: Since the invasion began, eighteen journalists have been killed, and many have disappeared.

Svitlana Stetsenko spoke about working under wartime conditions in Ukraine. Journalists face daily security risks, including shelling, blackouts, and targeted disinformation. Since the invasion began, eighteen journalists have been killed, and many have disappeared. At the same time, media outlets face major funding losses following the withdrawal of key donors. Despite these challenges, investigative reporting and public interest journalism continue.

Yauheni Pylchanka described the situation in Belarus, where independent media inside the country has been dismantled. Twenty-nine journalists are currently in prison. Many others work in exile from Lithuania, Poland, Germany, or Georgia. VPNs and encrypted platforms remain the only way to reach audiences. Journalists and their families face constant pressure, including legal harassment and surveillance.

Belarus: Twenty-nine journalists are currently in prison.

These experiences reveal common patterns across the region. Disinformation and hybrid threats remain constant. Attacks on journalists are increasing. Funding is unpredictable and often short-term. Many outlets lack sufficient security measures and mental health support. Legal protections are uneven and not consistently enforced. Audiences are frequently exposed to manipulation and lack the tools to assess information critically.

Journalists Lusine Grigoryan from Armenia, Cristina Bobirca from Moldova, Svitlana Stetsenko from Ukraine, Yauheni Pylchanka from Belarus and Maria Persson Löfgren from Swedish Radio.

Participants underlined several priorities for support. Long-term and stable funding is essential to reduce dependency on short projects. Stronger digital security and legal protection are needed to address growing threats. Mental health support should be integrated into newsroom structures. International advocacy plays an important role, particularly for journalists working under repressive regimes. Media literacy initiatives are key to building public resilience against disinformation.

Independent media is essential for democratic accountability and informed public debate. Journalists in Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus continue their work in difficult conditions. Coordinated and sustained international support is needed to ensure they can keep playing this role.