25th February, 2022

The European Banking Federation (EBF) strongly condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and all those affected. European banks aim to support actions initiated by European institutions and other authorities to alleviate the suffering caused by this attack. 

As part of the global community, European banks will support and implement all appropriate measures to safeguard peace and stability. We recognize the pivotal role of banks in the implementation of financial sanctions. They should be designed with careful consideration of their potential impact on the European people and businesses. To be effective, regulations need to be decisive, clear and self-explanatory. To help achieve that, we are ready to engage in an active dialogue with European policymakers. This process is likely to require continuous follow-up, monitoring and adjustment. We will make every effort to secure this important work.

As a reliable and representative counterpart to the European institutions on behalf of the banking sector, the EBF intends to fully fulfill a crucial role in managing this crisis.