AmChams in Europe hosted an online discussion featuring Andy Hunder, President of AmCham Ukraine and leaders from neigbouring AmChams, including our CEO Irisz Lippai-Nagy to talk about the war in Ukraine, the economic impact of the conflict, and the response of the countries in the region.
Other speakers were:
- Ronald Blasko, Executive Director of AmCham Slovakia
- Tony Housh, Chairman of AmCham Poland,
- Mila Malairau, Executive Director of AmCham Moldova,
- Letitia Pupazeanu, Executive Director of AmCham Romania,
- and moderator Susan Danger, Chair of AmChams in Europe and CEO of AmCham EU
"The number one priority is to stop the killing"
Echoing the sentiments of the joint ACE statement*, the AmCham leaders comdemned the invasion and reiterated their support for Ukraine. The neigbouring countries opened their door for over 2 million refugees, providing shelter, food, medical supplies, and working to ensure they receive accommodation with families, citizen benefits and work permits.
AmChams, Member Companies Step Up
AmChams in the region play an important role in the response by coordinating humanitarian efforts, providing reliable information to members, and consulting with their respective governments to address critical issues such as work permits and the legal status of refugees.
AmCham member companies across the Ukraine border countries were also quick to offer support to Ukraine, and refugees with donations, services, food, medicine, clothes, hygiene products, and accomodation.
AmCham Ukraine Stands Firm
Signing in from Bratislava, Andy Hunder, President of AmCham Ukraine gave a first-hand account of the early days of the invasion and what their chamber has done since with the staff relocating to various countries in the continent.
"We are trying to make sure everyone is alive, the safety of the team is the most important" - Hunder said.
Despite the difficult circumstances, AmCham Ukraine is still active, they are in contact with members, the leadership in Kyiv, and the US Government, and support humanitarian efforts.
With the communication infrastructure under threat, Ukraine is trying to secure terminals for SpaceX Starlink system to provide internet access. AmCham Ukraine is working to get funding for the critical effort with support from ACE.
Mounting Concerns
With millions of refugees leaving war-torn Ukraine, and more expected, one of the main concerns for European countries is to secure supplies, accommodation, healthcare and work for the people.
Ensuring business continuity is an increasingly important target for the long-term health of the region. The war hurts regional and global supply chains, increasing costs and endangering production. Moreover, Ukraine and Russia are critical suppliers of energy, rare raw materials, grains, sunflower oil and seeds, piling pressure on a food system already in crisis after the pandemic.
The speakers agreed establishing the infrastructure to help businesses leaving Russia and Ukraine to relocate in the region to keep talent, technology, valuable assets and investment projects.
Gearing Up for a Long-Term Struggle
With the fate of a nation hanging in the balance, the highest priority is ending the violence in Ukraine, protecting the safety of the people, and restoring the security of the region. AmCham leaders agreed that with no end in sight to the war and Europe facing a lasting economic and migration crisis, it is time to unite in solidarity, and cooperate to help the people, build resiliency and a secure future for Ukraine.
Watch the event now:
*Shortly after the start of the invasion, ACE released a joint statement condemning the senseless attack.
„AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organisation for 46 AmChams in 44 countries across Europe and Eurasia, stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The ongoing invasion of Ukraine violates international law and endangers peace and security across the region. It poses a clear threat to fundamental values of human dignity, democracy, rule of law and solidarity.”
Click here to read the statement in full