2025 Candidate for SC Member: Sergiy Tomilenko
Who I am
I am the President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, an independent organization supporting journalists and media workers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, I have worked with colleagues to transform NUJU’s operations to meet wartime challenges. Our key initiatives include establishing a network of Journalist Solidarity Centers and creating a support program for frontline newspapers, ensuring continued access to reliable information in the most vulnerable regions.
I have previous experience serving on the EFJ Steering Committee for two terms and am a Permanent Representative of NUJU at the Commission on Journalistic Ethics. I’ve led projects with international organizations including UNESCO and Reporters Without Borders to strengthen independent journalism and media safety.
Why I am standing
My many years of work in journalism and my experience on the EFJ Steering Committee have given me a deep understanding of the challenges facing media in Europe. Today, when journalism is at the crossroads of war, economic difficulties and digital transformation, strong representation at the European level is vital.
I am deeply convinced that our strength lies in solidarity and mutual support. Through collective action, we can effectively help colleagues both in our own countries and across borders. This principle of international solidarity has been my guiding value throughout my career and is especially crucial in these challenging times for journalism.
My priorities for the EFJ
As a Steering Committee candidate, I commit to:
- Protection of journalists covering conflicts through coordinated international advocacy, protective equipment provision, specialized safety training, mental health support, and rapid response mechanisms for those facing immediate danger in war zones
- Combating disinformation while preserving press freedom and editorial independence
- Defending freedom of expression and media pluralism
- Advancing press freedom and journalistic integrity across Europe
- Strengthening professional solidarity in the face of increasing threats to media independence
- Fostering cross-border journalism collaborations and knowledge exchange
