Ukraine Overtakes US, 6 EU Countries in Press Freedom Index
Ukraine and Moldova ranked above the United States and several EU countries in the 2026 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, with Ukraine rising to 55th place and Moldova to 31st. Despite improvements, both countries face criticism over media regulation and political influence, while global press freedom declined in 100 of 180 nations. Ukraine's progress is attributed to its active media sector and investigative journalism, though concerns remain about censorship and journalist safety.
- ▪Ukraine rose seven places to 55th in the 2026 Press Freedom Index, surpassing the United States, six EU countries, and Japan.
- ▪Moldova climbed four places to 31st, earning 'satisfactory' status and becoming the top EU candidate country in press freedom.
- ▪Reporters Without Borders credited Ukraine's improvement to its dynamic media sector and investigative reporting despite ongoing concerns about state control.
- ▪The United States dropped to 64th place amid a doubling of attacks on journalists in 2025 and actions by the Trump administration undermining media independence.
- ▪The EU criticized Ukraine for maintaining the state-controlled TV Marathon and for passing a media law allowing the regulator to block outlets without court approval.
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PoliticsUkraine overtakes US, 6 EU countries in Press Freedom IndexApril 30, 2026 1:10 pm • 3 min readPreferon Googleby Chris PowersA press vest is seen at the site where a Lancet drone launched by Russian troops hit the Parallel gas station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Images)Ukraine and Moldova scored above the United States and several EU countries in the latest Press Freedom Index released on April 30 by Reporters Without Borders.
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