Journalism under pressure in the Eastern Partnership countries

Date: October 2, 2025
Time: 14:30–16:30
Venue: ForumCiv, Alsnögatan 7, Stockholm
Register here by September 24, 2025, the number of seats is limited!

Journalists face growing risks across Eastern Europe and beyond. War, authoritarian repression, disinformation, and exile make reporting the truth more dangerous than ever. The cost is not only professional but also personal, affecting both safety and mental health.

This seminar brings together journalists, human rights defenders, and media experts from Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine. They will share insights on the risks facing media professionals, discuss security challenges, address the mental health impact of pressure and exile, and outline what kind of international support is most needed.

Join us to take part in this discussion, ask questions, and connect with others committed to safeguarding independent journalism.

Panellists

Lusine Grigoryan – Programme Manager, Media Initiative Centre, Armenia
Yauheni Pylchanka – Lawyer, Belarusian Association of Journalists (in exile)
Cristina Bobirca – Programme Manager, Association of Independent Press, Moldova
Svitlana Stetsenko – Journalist, Bihus, Ukraine

Moderator

Maria Persson Löfgren – Foreign correspondent, Swedish Radio

Opening remarks

Veronika Menjoun – Regional Manager Europe, Fojo
Anh Helge – Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Network, ForumCiv

Panel discussion 

• Brief introduction of Zinaida Muradova – Head of Eurasia Department, Civil Rights Defenders
• Physical and digital security: Risks, protection measures, and initiatives
• Mental health and psychosocial support: Impact of threats and exile, access to support, peer networks, and wellbeing
• Looking ahead: Priorities for international support in the coming years

Summary, reflections, Q&A, and informal networking over coffee and tea

Organizers: Fojo Media Institute and ForumCiv, with Civil Rights Defenders, within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Network.