EU Presidency declaration on forthcoming elections and media freedom in Ukraine

The European Union regards Ukraine as a key neighbour and strategic partner, which is also a major player in regional and global security. The Union remains supportive of Ukraine's pursuit of democratisation and economic reform. It acknowledges Ukraine's European aspirations and welcomes Ukraine's pro-European choice.

The EU appeals to the Ukrainian leadership to ensure all necessary conditions for holding free and fair presidential elections this fall in line with its international commitments as enshrined by the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Considering the conditions under which the campaign has taken place so far, the EU reiterates the paramount importance of independence of the media and freedom of expression for a fair and transparent campaign.

This implies equal and impartial access to the mass media, the absence of registration and licensing procedures according to political criteria, as well as the cessation to cut-offs for private television channels due to 'technical reasons'. This also implies unbiased coverage of candidate's positions in the media, in particular by the state-owned nation-wide TV channels, and the absence of any interference from the authorities, including by sending instructions or indications to the media (so-called 'temnyky').

This furthermore implies neutrality of all state officials and state bodies towards all candidates, including by abstaining from harassment of specific candidates and media outlets.

Finally, the European Union urges Ukraine to enable domestic observers, including nonpartisan observers, to monitor the elections. The EU welcomes the invitation for international observers. EU member states are willing to contribute appropriately.

The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia *, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process

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