Practically all media outlets in Eastern Europe experience significant financial challenges. They struggle with revenue loss from unfair competition practices, political interference, retaliation against independent journalists, and general lack of management skills.

Yet media play a crucial role in providing people with trustful and accurate information amidst the uncertainty and disinformation associated with Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the political turmoil present in several countries in the region. Despite this tough context there are media that retain independent ownership and remain committed to quality journalism, serving the interests of their audience.

Fojo has been engaged in Eastern Europe since the early nineties. In 2023, Fojo concluded a five-year programme which created and supported a cross-‑regional network of media‑support organisations in eight countries in Eastern and Central Europe.