One Year On: AmChams in Europe Steadfast in Support for the People of Ukraine

Joint Statement by the AmChams in Europe on the One-Year Anniversary of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Photo Copyright: Christian Kruppa

February 24, 2023 - On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, AmCham Germany President Simone Menne released the following statement today:

Together with the AmChams in Europe, we maintain our steadfast support for the people of Ukraine. One year on, it is crucial that all necessary actions are taken to minimize the humanitarian toll of this crisis. Democracy, rule of law, and security are the pillars of transatlantic partnership, and we applaud all actors promoting the integrity of these values in the face of the war in Ukraine.

-Simone Menne, President, AmCham Germany

In addition, AmCham Germany has co-signed the AmChams in Europe (ACE) statement in support for the people of Ukraine, which can be read below or downloaded as a PDF here.

One year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine, violating international law, endangering peace and security across the region and causing unspeakable suffering. As the war rages on, AmChams in Europe – the umbrella organisation for 46 AmChams in 44 countries across Europe and Eurasia – continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, as we have since 24 February 2022. Our thoughts remain with all those impacted, including our fellow AmCham colleagues, their members, partners and families.

Our network brings together individuals and organizations with deep ties across Europe and Eurasia, and around the world. In the last year, our Chambers and member companies have used these connections to directly support relief efforts through a range of initiatives, including fundraising, collecting and distributing goods, and more. Many have also contributed to programmes welcoming those displaced by the war.

In the midst of the ongoing crisis, we applaud governments on both sides of the Atlantic for their unity and commitment to the people of Ukraine. The public and private sectors should be prepared to play an important role in supporting the country’s future economic prosperity and planning for its reconstruction. Ensuring respect for the rule of law will be critical to enable meaningful engagement from all stakeholders. In the face of the senseless loss of human lives, we must also continue to remain engaged and speak out for democratic values and the defence of human dignity.

AmChams in Europe serves as the umbrella organisation for 46 American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) from 44 countries throughout Europe and Eurasia. In Europe, they represent the interests of more than 17,000 American and European companies employing 20 million workers and accounting for more than $1.1 trillion in investment on both sides of the Atlantic. As a bilateral voice of American and European companies, AmChams in Europe works to communicate the importance of the transatlantic economy in both Europe and the United States.

AmCham Russia is currently excluded from all AmChams in Europe communications and from supporting this statement.

AmChams in Europe
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, The European Union, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey (ABFT & TABA), Ukraine and The United Kingdom

For more detailed information please contact:

Heather Liermann

Head of Department

Membership Engagement & Development