February 23, 2022
Joint Statement of the European Economic Senate (EES)
and the European Taxpayers' Association (TAE)
on the occasion of the intensified conflict in Ukraine
Dear friends and Colleagues of Ukraine!
It is a matter of the heart for us to express our solidarity with Ukraine and you personally.
We are all dismayed and horrified by the current developments.
Although Putin's actions have escalated this conflict to a maximum and the danger of an expansion of the war to the whole of Ukraine increases every hour, we do not give up hope that political pressure will bring about a rethink.
Because there will be no winners in a war in Ukraine. The people in both countries would be the ones to suffer. Ukraine, as the country affected by the war, and Russia, as the country responsible, would be isolated from the Western world for a long time.
Conversely, a peace dividend would also arise for the Russian citizens if the conflict could be settled without war. Europe is ready for new - especially economic - cooperation with Russia. Therefore, Putin should use the opportunity to stop the war, to open Russia to the market economy and to introduce reforms.
On our side, we are happy to offer our know-how to all countries that need advice in this transformation process, because our goals are sustainable growth and prosperity for all, as well as the preservation of peace and security.
European Economic Senate / Taxpayers Association of Europe