We, the Chief Executives of the Greater Region Summit*, condemn the ongoing aggression against Ukraine and stand with the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian civilians who are directly affected by this war. We salute the courage of many civilians in Russia who oppose this war.
This conflict is bringing war back to Europe in the 21st century.
In the heart of the Greater Region, countries border each other that experienced dramatic and traumatic events in the course of the 20th century due to fighting between neighbouring peoples. We all know that Europe is based on relations of partnership between territories and civil societies, created by solidarity in everyday life.
This conflict is not only an aggression against a sovereign country, but also against the common European values of all member countries of the Council of Europe. Thus, all peoples and democracies in Europe are under attack by Vladi-mir Putin and his supporters. Accordingly, we welcome the withdrawal of Russia's representation rights in the Council of Europe.
We, the chief executives of formerly war-torn border regions - now partners and friends - are ready, as soon as circumstances allow, to share our experience in building peace and establishing cross-border cooperation - for a united Europe.
We are also ready to participate in joint efforts to welcome refugees from Ukraine.
* The eleven executives of the Greater Region are:
- Jean Rottner, President of the Grand Est Region
- Josiane Chevalier, Prefect of the Grand Est Region
- Chaynesse Khirouni, President of the Department of Meurthe-et-Moselle
- Jérôme Dumont, President of the Department of Meuse
- Patrick Weiten, President of the Moselle Department
- Corinne Cahen, Minister for the Greater Region of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Malu Dreyer, Minister-President of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate
- Elio Di Rupo, Minister-President of Wallonia
- Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Minister-President of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
- Oliver Paasch, Minister-President of the German-speaking Community of Belgium
- Tobias Hans, Minister-President of Saarland.