EU demands Ukraine wind down “United News” telethon and ensure independence of media regulator

The European Union has officially demanded that Ukraine review and gradually wind down the “United News” telethon and ensure the full independence of its media regulator. The demands are set out in a Council of the EU document titled “European Union Common Position — Cluster 1 ‘Fundamentals’,” dated June 15, 2026.

The document assesses Ukraine’s compliance with EU standards in various areas, including freedom of expression and media pluralism. Brussels notes that Ukraine’s legislative and institutional framework in the area of freedom of expression is only partially aligned with EU law.

The document notes Ukraine’s plans to align its legislation with EU norms on SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation), the European Media Freedom Act, and the Digital Services Act. The EU welcomed Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen resilience against disinformation and foreign information manipulation during elections, but insists that these steps must not remain mere intentions.

A separate section of the document sets out requirements on journalist safety. The EU pointed to the need for effective guarantees of their safety, respect for their role in providing information of public interest, and accountability for any instances of intimidation and harassment. Brussels also emphasized the importance of ensuring journalists’ access to information — particularly under conditions of martial law.

What the media sector requirements contain

Among the specific requirements is ensuring the full independence of Ukraine’s National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting. The EU stressed that the media regulator must be protected from any political influence. Brussels also pointed to the need for guarantees of the independent functioning of the public broadcaster and transparent rules for the distribution of state advertising.

The EU’s position on the “United News” telethon is consistent: Brussels is calling for its review and gradual discontinuation. The telethon has increasingly come under criticism for censorship, excessive airtime given to government representatives, and high costs from the state budget — in 2026 alone, agreements worth more than approximately EUR 12.3 million were concluded for its production. According to a study by InMind with support from USAID, 45% of Ukrainians believe the unified telethon format should be discontinued, and only 37% of citizens trust its content.

The document separately notes the importance of implementing the “Roadmap” to support the restoration of a pluralistic and independent media environment after the end or lifting of martial law. Media sector reforms must proceed without delay, Brussels notes, in order to reduce the risk of monopolies re-emerging.

Accession negotiations and media criteria

On June 15, during the second Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg, Ukraine and the EU officially opened Cluster 1 “Fundamentals of the EU accession process.” This decision was the logical conclusion of the bilateral legislative screening process, which continued until October 2025. Progress in fulfilling the requirements of Cluster 1 will be taken into account when assessing key legislative and institutional changes.

Among the criteria conveyed to Ukraine are requirements in the areas of personal data protection, freedom of expression, media pluralism, and the rights of national minorities. It is against these indicators that the EU will assess Ukraine’s progress within the negotiating chapters. Further advancement toward membership will depend on the fulfillment of these conditions.

The telethon and the preconditions for media market reform

In late October 2024, the European Commission had already publicly criticized the “United News” telethon. In its document, Brussels expressed concern about the project’s state budget funding and the objectivity of its coverage, particularly of the political situation in Ukraine. The EU’s current position is a continuation of that criticism — now within the framework of the official negotiation process. Polls show that nearly half of Ukrainians support shutting down the telethon.

At the same time, the EU is demanding that Ukraine make progress in negotiations on the first accession cluster, which covers not only media but also anti-corruption reforms, the rule of law, and the functioning of democratic institutions. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos previously stated that the remaining five clusters could be opened in July 2026.