“The armed attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine violates the fundamental principles of international law – first and foremost the prohibition of the use of force in Article 2 No. 4 of the UN Charter – it calls into question the territorial order of Europe and deprives many people of their future: Ukrainians, Russians and Europeans. In view of this, it is important to remember the promise made by the United Nations, which stands for Europe as a community of responsibility and values: to protect future generations from the scourge of war. Without a rules-based international order, without stable institutions and without respect for the law, peace in freedom becomes impossible.

For all scholars associated with the Europa-Kolleg Hamburg and its “Institute for European Integration”, this is both a realization and a commitment. More than ever, in times like these, science should make its committed contribution to a strong, united, sustainable and, above all, peaceful Europe.”

Prof. Dr. Markus Kotzur, President of Europa-Kolleg Hamburg