FEANI’s Statement on the war in Ukraine
FEANI is a Federation of Professional Engineers that unites national engineering associations from 33 European Higher Education Area countries, including Russia and Ukraine. FEANI stands united behind our Ukrainian member institution and condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We declare our compassion and sympathy for our colleagues in Ukraine and our solidarity with the courageous critical voices raised against the invasion across Russia’s civil society and scientific community.
The invasion is creating the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War with an estimated 4 million people likely to flee Ukraine. In addition, the Ukrainian economy is expected to shrink by as much as 35%-50% according to the International Monetary Fund and the Ukrainian Business and Trade Association (UBTA). The UBTA argues for support for its agricultural industry and for the repair of its critical infrastructure and has proposed a Marshall Plan for after the war.
As engineers we are determined to do what we can to support the local economy to continue to function. Each of our Member Organizations has developed ideas to help the Ukrainian engineering community and the Ukrainian people (ref. https://feani.org/feani/membership-list-0).
As FEANI, we:
- Offer support such as access to free on-line Continuing Professional Development opportunities, linking engineers with industry representatives and connecting them with our network.
- Pledge to support Ukrainian engineers and engineering students in advocating their employment or continuation of their studies in the EU, by offering advice and connections.
- Commit to assist and help with the rebuilding of Ukrainian society and its economy in close coordination with Ukrainian experts when the opportunity to do so, arises.
As FEANI, we also:
- Express our strong solidarity, empathy and support with the people of Ukraine and call for the end of the war as soon as possible.
- Express our concern about the damage the conflict is causing to the people in Ukraine, to Ukrainian society and its economy, to the cause of European professional and technological cooperation and to the pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Call for financial support so that medical and humanitarian aid can be transferred to the Ukrainian people wherever it is needed.
FEANI supports the International Charitable Fund "Harmony" – https://harmony.co.ua which welcomes funds for the transportation of goods to Kyiv. Donations can be made to the following accounts of BNP Paribas Bank Polska :
PLN – PL64 1750 0009 0000 0000 3673 2067
EUR – PL95 1750 0009 0000 0000 3673 2081
USD – PL83 1750 0009 0000 0000 3673 2113
SWIFT CODE: PPABPLPKXXX
Purpose of payment: Non-refundable financial assistance