Updated Statement on the War in Ukraine
In the past week, we have been witnessing the rapidly unfolding situation in Ukraine with great sadness and concern. As expressed in our earlier official statement, the EAU, as a scientific European professional medical association with members from across the world, is absolutely against the use of violence in Ukraine. We oppose wars as a means of settling disputes of any kind and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution.
Over the last days we have received several messages from our Ukrainian colleagues like this video message from Prof. V. M. Lisovyi, the President of the Ukrainian Urological Association. We do not hold our Russian and Belarusian colleagues personally accountable for the atrocities which are ongoing. However, we do acknowledge that the actions by their government are disastrous for science, health and the safety of all of us including our patients.
This has forced us to take a clear stance in this conflict and the EAU Board has agreed that:
- All joint activities with the national urological societies of Russia and Belarus will be ceased until further notice.
- The EAU will suspend the active role of Russian and Belarusian members as board member of EAU Offices and Sections, and as faculty at EAU events and activities.
- As a scientific organisation the dissemination of knowledge will always remain at the core of all our activities. Therefore Russian and Belarusian urologists can continue to be EAU members and have access to all of our resources like our Guidelines, the European Urology family of journals, and other educational materials.
- Attendance by Russian or Belarusian delegates in our EAU events remains under observation depending on future developments in the conflict.
The consequences of these decisions will be implemented within the organisation with immediate effect. In the coming days we will reach out to involved individuals and inform them about the effects for them personally.
Support for Ukraine
As a member of the Biomed Alliance and the European Cancer Coalition, the EAU is closely collaborating on a European level to provide medical support to Ukraine. Several initiatives are currently being set up by these organisations, which allows us to participate at a larger scale to increase the impact of the support to those in need, especially related to cancer care.
If you or your institution would like to contribute in any way, visit the special page Help Ukraine which includes links to resources in different relevant languages. More information can be found here. New initiatives can be proposed by e-mail to ukraine@europeancancer.org
Thank you also to all of our members who donated to the International Red Cross and UNHCR after our appeal last week.
With kindest regards,
On behalf of the EAU Board,
Prof. Chris Chapple
EAU Secretary General
