The European Union is currently debating proposed legislation that attempts to find a compromise between protecting the freedom of expression while ensuring national security and safeguarding a fundamental component of our democracies: the media.
Slovakia holds a cliff-hanger election on Saturday that may reverse its support for Ukraine, just as Poland's ruling Law and Justice abandons stalwart backing for Kiyv to rally nationalist voters ahead of its own electoral race on 15 October. Both elections will test EU unity on Ukraine, including arms deliveries and EU membership prospects.
Brussels is looking into a new foreign agent law which could limit the impact of disinformation. However, this policy discussion must learn from lessons of the past to avoid curtailing democratic freedoms.
Ukraine's European membership bid is receiving growing support from EU leaders, with a German minister declaring that bringing the country in is vital for the bloc's security. As the EU gears up to the next electoral cycle, officials are divided on whether a treaty change is necessary before accepting new members.
Ukraine is making significant strides to fight corruption on the domestic front, but it requires support from Western allies to make the necessary systemic changes which could have a massive impact on the country.