Solidarity with Ukraine
Joint statement by the Taxpayers’ Association of Europe (TAE) and the European Economic Senate (EES)
on the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine
Dear friends and colleagues in Ukraine!
It is a matter close to our hearts to express our solidarity with Ukraine and with you personally.
We are all deeply shocked and appalled by the current developments.
Although Putin’s actions have caused this conflict to escalate to its highest level and the danger of the war spreading to the whole of Ukraine is growing by the hour, we are not giving up hope that political pressure will lead to a change of heart.
For there would be no winners in a war in Ukraine. People in both countries would suffer as a result. 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 to come.
Conversely, Russian citizens too would benefit from peace if the conflict could be resolved without war. Europe is ready for a new – particularly economic – partnership with Russia. Putin should therefore seize the opportunity to end the war, open Russia up to the market economy and introduce reforms.
For our part, we are happy to make our expertise available to all countries that require advice in this transformation process, as our goals are sustainable growth and prosperity for all, as well as the preservation of peace and security.