The media law, signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 29, is provoking mixed reactions.

The European Federation of Journalists has criticized the law, claiming it could lead to "arbitrary censorship".

Now the organization Reporters Without Borders welcomes the change in law.

- There are certain challenges, but we are generally positive, says Erik Halkjaer, at Reporter without Borders and continues:

- The big challenge is to give the equivalent of the authority for press, radio and television in Sweden, much more power.

And today the authority is appointed by the government of Ukraine, and it gives very great power to the government.

This must change.

Green light from the EU

The Media Act is introduced at the same time as Ukraine approaches EU membership.

EFJ's chairman Ricardo Gutiérrez has previously told SVT that the new media law could prevent entry into the EU, because the media climate in Ukraine does not live up to the EU's standards.

But Marianna Perebenesiuk, responsible for Ukraine issues at Reporters Without Borders, claims that the EU Commission certainly took note of the bill, and gave the thumbs up before the law was hammered through.

- It would be very strange if the government of Ukraine adopts a law that goes against the EU if you want to get closer to the EU, says Erik Halkjaer, who believes that the organizations' different positions on the matter are due to a misunderstanding:

- This law has changed a couple of times since it was presented, I don't know at what stage those who are critical have read the law.

Long way to go

Reporters Without Borders lists several advantages of the new media law – such as making it easier for journalistic activities on digital platforms to obtain the title of responsible publisher.

The law is also said to strengthen the dialogue between the licensing authority and the media.

But Ukraine still has a long way to go for a healthy media climate, Erik Halkjaer points out:

- There are several challenges in Ukraine for freedom of the press because of the war.

We hope that the war will end as soon as possible so that the constitution can be changed.