In the face of rising identity-based divisions in Europe,
let us respond with initiatives for peace!
Dear friends,
When we launched our initiative for peace and against war in 2017, we saw the danger coming primarily from Russia, which had invaded the Donbas militarily with the intention of annexing the whole of Ukraine. Our activities focused on helping victims who were fleeing or who had been imprisoned and tortured. We invited experts to share their experiences and research at conferences and in interviews with local media.
Over the years, we have come to realise – particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine from February 2022 onwards – that this war of aggression against Ukraine is having repercussions on our ways of life and thinking in the West. Even though our countries are not militarily engaged with their armed forces, the fact that we have been openly and politically supporting Ukraine for the past four years – by purchasing and sending military equipment and by welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees – has significant consequences for our societies, which are losing hope that the war will end any time soon.
Added to this are the Russian media’s campaigns of misleading disinformation, which have been tolerated for far too long in Europe. They have undermined the spirit of solidarity that Europeans have continued to show towards the Ukrainian people. Some Europeans believe that this Russian disinformation is true, either in whole or in part. Consequently, debates over national budgets are dividing political parties, with some no longer wishing to provide military aid to Ukraine.
An increasing number of Europeans are turning towards identity-based isolationism, which finds expression in far-right parties. However, this is not a promising path for social cohesion. The Ad Pacem committee has responded by organising various activities.
On 25 April 2026, it organised an organ concert in Pergola (I) as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine.
=> Solidarity Concertino
On 17 and 18 May 2026, a weekend of cycling, exploration and cultural encounters took place in Sion (F).
=> 9th Bike for climate – bike for peace
On 7 June 2026, the Ad Pacem committee invited its members on a guided tour of the former Nazi labour camp in Thil (F), a site commemorating the Second World War.
=> June 7, 2026: Visit to the Nazi labour camp in Thil (F), near Villerupt (F) and the Luxembourg border
On 13 June 2026, Ad Pacem ran an information and engagement stand at a peace tournament held in Differdange (L). The day provided an opportunity to meet the young participants, present our work and collect messages of hope for the civilian victims of the war in Ukraine.
=> A tournament in the spirit of peace and community
Wishing you a wonderful summer and a lovely holiday,
With my best regards,
Claude Pantaleoni
Chairman of Ad Pacem