Statement – European stock exchanges’ collective support to Ukrainian government and people
To demonstrate the continued solidarity of the European exchange industry with the government and people of Ukraine, the Federation of European Securities Exchanges has made a donation to the Ukrainian government through its embassy in Brussels. Oleh Shamshur, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, formally accepted the donation on behalf the Ukrainian government at FESE’s annual Convention on Tuesday 31st May 2022.
Back in March, at the outset of the conflict, FESE’s Board issued a statement utterly condemning the Russian-led invasion of Ukraine and recommending that the Moscow Exchange be stripped of its Observer Member status within FESE. This process was completed shortly thereafter following a unanimous vote of FESE’s General Assembly.
Ever since, FESE has been exploring ways to complement the individual actions of its Members and make a substantive contribution in support of Ukraine. In donating to the government of Ukraine, FESE is lending its unequivocal support to the legitimate, democratic authority in the country – and by extension the people it serves and represents – in this ongoing fight, both for country and our shared European values.
This comes alongside and in addition to the range of actions individual exchanges have themselves been taking in support of Ukraine, with some listed below.
Boerse Stuttgart
By April, Boerse Stuttgart, had donated a total of 100,000 EUR to the Stuttgart-based aid organization “STELP e.V.” which transports food, blankets and other urgently needed relief supplies to the crisis region.
Euronext
Euronext has partnered with JA Europe, a non-profit organization, in fundraising efforts to support Ukrainian Youth and Children. Euronext employees could contribute by making a donation used to provide assistance to children and youth in Ukraine and in countries hosting Ukrainian refugees. For every euro donated by Euronext employees, Euronext also donated one euro.
Luxembourg Stock Exchange
In March 2022, LuxSE made a financial donation to four local NGOs which are helping Ukrainian families and refugees affected by the war, namely LUkraine, the Luxembourg Red Cross, Caritas Luxembourg and SOS Village d'Enfants du Monde. In addition, LuxSE organised a major collection of warm clothes, toiletries, medicine and other equipment among its employees. Multiple bags and boxes full of equipment were collected and all items were donated to LUkraine and the Luxembourg Red Cross, and distributed at the border crossings from Ukraine into neighbouring countries and among Ukrainian refugees arriving in Luxembourg.
Prague Stock Exchange
Prague Stock Exchange supports the Freedom for Ukraine initiative, alongside many leading personalities across the Czech Republic. As an expression of their support and solidarity, Prague Stock Exchange donated to the Ukrainian Embassy in the Czech Republic all fees from trading on the stock market from the day when the Russian aggression against Ukraine started.
Warsaw Stock Exchange
By mid-May, the GPW Group had provided financial and in-kind help in the amount of over PLN 851,7 thousand, earmarked for, inter alia, the purchase of power generators for humanitarian aid in Ukraine; basic necessities, blankets, duvets, pillows, kitchen equipment, purchase of laptops for refugees and children from an orphanage that has been transferred from Ukraine; municipalities and organizations to cover the costs of assisting refugees from Ukraine; support for GPW Group employees who assisted in the transport and/or housing of refugees.
Meanwhile, the Stock Exchange Council has decided to allocate the amount of PLN 1,000,000, representing 0.25% of the consolidated revenues of the GPW Group for 2021, to support refugees from Ukraine.
In addition to in-kind and in-quota donations, the GPW Group wants to support professional activation of refugees from Ukraine, e.g. by accepting people for internships at the GPW Group. They also plan to make available office space to Ukrainian start-ups, and donate a number of laptops to support educational activities.
Wiener Börse
In March 2022, Wiener Börse AG reached out to its employees with a call for donations to support the Ukrainian people. Team members were encouraged to donate to one of four charitable organisations. In April 2022, Wiener Börse AG increased the amount donated by its employees sixfold.