Eastern Ukrainian journalists reviewed the successful experience of Lithuanian Euro-integration

The media tour to the Republic of Lithuania for the Eastern Ukrainian journalists lasted from September 21 to September 25. This media tour was organized by the East European Cooperation public organization.

“The main idea of the media tour was to dispel myths and stereotypes about the European Union and Ukrainian Euro-integration widespread in the eastern Ukraine. The survey was held among readers of regional internet publications in order to reveal the most popular misconceptions.
On the one hand, according to interim results and voting dynamics, residents of the region mostly fear the decline in living standards and full diplomatic rapture with Russia. On the other hand, they perceive the European integration as the possibility for small business development, establishment of new modern enterprises and development of innovational and modern industry branches. One of the biggest problems of Donbass is the outdated power-consuming industrial fund and actual absence of preconditions for enterprises of new generation. The war and the occupation of several districts exacerbated these problems and significantly weakened the economy of the region. We wanted to show the possibilities which Donetsk Region would have in case of active participation in the implementation of the EU-Ukraine association. Additionally, it was essential to identify the priorities relevant for Donetsk district” – noted Natalia Kazionnova, the supervisor of the East European Cooperation.

According to the conceptual foundation, the following directions of the study of Lithuanian European integration experience were selected:  ways to reduce energy dependence, implement advanced production technologies, development of sanatorium tourism as exemplified by the city of Druskininkai (similar conditions for rehabilitation can be found in the town of Slovyansk, Donetsk Region), and the principles of local authorities activity. Media tour participants learned how leading mass media work during the meetings on the Lithuanian National Radio and television (LRT) and at the Lithuanian Representative Office of Delfi international media holding.

“It was the first time I had such an informative business trip. I liked that there was a large number of meetings, though they were neither meaningless nor tiring. It was helpful to estimate the development of the country, which also suffered Russian occupation, but found resources for total recovery and possibilities to pick the European direction and European values. This experience is so extensive that Ukraine does not even need to reinvent anything – it is enough to simply accept the previous experience. It is indicative and joyous that Lithuania shares its expertise and still considers Ukraine as the potential European Union member,” – noted Hanna Khrypunkova, the Chief editor of the DonPress.com online edition, summarizing her trip to Lithuania.

During the media tour, the journalists have conducted interviews with the Lithuanian Vice Minister of Energy, Mr. Alexandras Spruogis, and visited BOD group – the innovative enterprise producing solar panels.

One of the business days was dedicated to the visit to Druskininkai, where mass media representatives had a meeting with the city mayor, Mr. Ričardas Malinauskas. The visitors were also introduced to the resort infrastructure.  Ukrainian journalists visited one of the renovated sanatoriums, modern water park and artificial ski slope.

“The media tour turned out to be really interesting and informative. What I liked the most was that topics and meetings intercrossed and complemented each other. I know a lot about the European integration, but the Lithuanian experience was quite interesting for me. We started to move from the same point; however, the Baltic States managed to move forward while we have made no headway. Besides, Ukraine can adopt the Lithuanian experience on its own territory. It is not about mere copying but rather rethinking. Lithuania successfully solved the issue of energetic independence, creation of enterprises of postindustrial era, reforms in the local government and certain cities. We still have to solve all these issues”, – pointed out Andriy Romanenko, the Chief Editor of Govorun – a new perspective on the Kramatorsk news online edition.

The journalists could also see how Lithuanian volunteers help Ukraine in solving humanitarian issues related to Russian aggression in the East. In particular, the meeting with Vaidotas Sankalas, the Honorary Consul of Iceland in Lithuania, the co-founder of the international public movement European hope for Ukrainian children of war, and his wife Virginija Sankaliene who is her husband’s ideological ally, was organized.

The partner of East European Cooperation (EEC) that supported the media tour was Donetsk Institute of Information (DII) public organization, which combines independent media of the eastern Ukraine – the leading news agency Donbas News, Donbas Public Television. The DII was represented during the media tour by Yulia Khovanska, Chief Editor of Donbas News, Donbas Public Television filming crew.

“The territory of Ukraine is much bigger than that of Lithuania, therefore, it is more complicated to develop and rebuild. It should be acknowledged that military operations take place in the East of the country. The positive experience, however, may be adopted in any circumstances. One only needs the desire to learn and develop. For example, provided we have adequate funding and there exist no monopoly or corruption on the energy market, Ukraine would be able to produce alternative power sources. This would free us from the gas dependence, just like it was in Lithuania. Obviously, it will be complicated, success, however, comes with tenacity, - ensures Yulia Khovanska, the Chief Editor of Donbas news agency.

Donetsk Institute of Information journalists obtained materials for several themed television stories, inclusion of the interview to the Donbas Public television programs, various articles. “As a journalist I am familiar with the system of interaction between the EU and member-states, including young countries seeking help. However, it was important for me to tell the story to my readers on behalf of the speakers, who will, probably, be more credible in the eyes of the residents of Donbas and Ukraine in general,”– Yulia Khovanska believes.

The media tour is very important event for residents of the eastern Ukraine, as it informs of the possibilities that European integration provides.  Reliable and truthful information is one of the tools that help fighting against Russian propaganda, which significantly affects the consciousness and public opinion of Eastern Ukrainians.

“TV programs and articles in mass media made after the results of the media helped residents of the eastern Ukraine to receive more detailed information on the positive influence of European integration reforms on the country economy, social processes, etc. The new approach to the EU through the prism of specific examples of the Lithuanian success will facilitate changes in the negative stereotypes and more attentive attitude towards transformations in our country in the process of transition to the European standards. Unbiased information flow will also help to recognize negative propaganda and assess the changes objectively,” – summarized Beatriche Beliavtsiv, the head of the East European Cooperation.

The project is funded by the Program of development, cooperation and support of democracy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.