European social partners of local and regional governments strongly support their peers in Ukraine

(3 March 2022) We, CEMR and EPSU, representing social partners at the European Social Dialogue Committee of Local and Regional Governments, strongly condemn the multiple attacks and violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine by Russia. We express our full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and workers in Ukrainian municipalities, cities, hromadas, districts, and raions.

We are firmly opposed to the dismemberment of a free and democratic state in Europe. The escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories are a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe. Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its security must be respected, as well as its political independence as a democratic state.

Our thoughts are with Ukrainian people, with first responders, emergency services workers and municipal operators that are working in solidarity to ensure the maximum possible level of services to all people in the territories under attack. The destruction of infrastructures by the belligerents jeopardises the efficient and safe maintenance of basic public services provided by Ukrainian local and regional governments to their citizens. We are ready to support our peers in the country with the materials and expertise they may need in the days and weeks to come.

We stand by the Ukrainian workers and we will mobilise for peace and stability in Ukraine and Europe. We stand by all public service workers call on to treat the causalities of war. We call on the European Union and the international community to provide support and asylum for the people fleeing the war zones.

Municipalities and regions are facing already the human consequences of such a tragedy for Europe, resulting in a flow of humanitarian refugees and displaced persons. We stand with the principles agreed in our joint migration guidelines: support local migration services to provide reception, shelter and life in dignity for every newcomer to our local communities. Coordination with our national governments will also be essential to ensure the necessary help to municipalities tackling this unforeseen challenge.