The blocking of the process of starting negotiations on Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union by certain countries may hinder EU integration reforms, particularly in the media sector. This was stated by Mykyta Poturaiev, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, during a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Council of Europe Project «Protecting Freedom of Expression and Media in Ukraine – Phase II.»
«In my view, this could lead to a certain level of frustration within Ukraine’s political circles and slow down the further implementation of pro-European reforms, the MP said. Because if we no longer have a clear membership perspective, then why should we pursue these reforms? Why should we spend time on them? We are telling our European colleagues that if media reform is not included in the Ukraine Facility Plan — where specific financial incentives are provided — or in the list of requirements we are expected to incorporate into our legislation as part of the European integration process, then that sends a rather discouraging signal to Ukraine’s political forces, not all of which are pro-European.»
At the same time, the parliamentarian expressed his belief in the need to continue the media reform and reach the planned indicators: «Our committee, like the Committee on Freedom of Speech, sees the horizons and can move in this direction, but now there is no necessary amount of external incentives».
Mykyta Poturaiev emphasized the importance of implementing the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
«Ukraine could benefit from mechanisms that protect against information aggression and the arbitrariness of social media platforms. In my view, Europe itself is currently not effective in countering disinformation and manipulative campaigns on social platforms. Clearly, it is reluctant to take decisive action, likely due to concerns about straining relations with its American partners. But Ukraine is undoubtedly facing the same challenges. It is obvious that winning an information war alone is impossible,» the MP said.
The event was supported by the Council of Europe, with the participation of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy and the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech.