Vice-President Cillian Lohan: EESC organised civil society in solidarity with Ukrainian people

In the face of this tragic time caused by the unprovoked and unjustified Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We see that the civil society in many EU countries is actively engaged in helping the refugees to heal the wounds from the war and rebuild a new life.
The EU civil society has shown  impressive mobilisation and put forward major efforts to provide the Ukrainian civil society with all the necessary framework to survive from the war and adapt to the new living conditions via integration mechanisms for the Ukrainian refugees. Many countries have already put in process services, facilities and practices to include them as  members of the society and offer employment opportunities, accommodation, education and learning. I see with great admiration the strong partnership already built between the EU and Ukrainian civil societies. It is important that this strong partnership is amplified and communication channels are created so that information, data, ideas, practices can be easily and reliably exchanged.
Since the beginning of the war, we have observed a unique wave of human generosity addressed to the Ukrainian refugees, a unique example of solidarity,  unity and altruism.Concrete example of the EU openness and  solidarity is the humanitarian aid, like food, medicine, necessity goods, funds coming from all areas of life.
The civil society stands together with Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian nation defends peace and security for all. The human tragedy does not have borders, it concerns all of us. I hope that the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag  can be transformed into a solid bridge which will lead Ukrainian people  to their freedom.