"This long-awaited law is a major step forward in advancing media freedom and pluralism in the country," Mijatovic said, noting the widespread support for the law from the journalistic community and civil society in Ukraine.
"The law will help local print media in Ukraine to develop. Its implementation will create a competitive environment for media outlets and ensure the independence of their editorial and management policies from interference by public authorities," she said.
Read alsoKey Ukraine MEPs pleased to see progress on EU-Ukraine visa liberalization planMijatovic had previously called on the Ukrainian authorities to adopt a law on privatization of the media, including print media outlets.
On November 24, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the law "On reforming state and communal print mass media," which will give priority to editorial teams to take over ownership of state and communal print media. The legislation will come into force on January 1, 2016.
