On March 10, AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization for 46 AmChams in 44 countries throughout Europe and Eurasia, hosted an online webinar on the Business and Global Impact of the Ukraine-Russian Conflict. During the webinar, Andy Hunder, President of AmCham Ukraine and AmCham Executives from Ukraine’s neighboring countries – Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova – talked about their experience with the direct impact of the conflict and present perspectives and longer-term consequences. The session was moderated by Susan Danger, Chair of AmChams in Europe and CEO of AmCham EU.
Andy Hunder, AmCham Ukraine's President, is currently working out of the AmCham Slovakia office. Several of his colleagues have relocated, some are still in the country. Andy expressed his deepest gratitude to Slovakia and the AmChams in Europe network for all the support in the past days.
According to Amcham Poland Chair Tony Housh, there are currently 1.6 million displaced Ukrainians in Poland. To enter the country, these individuals do not need any documentation, or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Poland has also passed new legislation allowing these persons to stay in the country for up to 18 months. They primarily live with Polish families and have a large support network.
Ionut Simion, President of AmCham Romania, explained that his organization is assisting Ukraine in three ways: by assisting refugees (currently: 300.000), educating AmCham members about current events in Ukraine and the potential impact on their business, and assisting the government in taking appropriate measures.
CEO of AmCham Hungary, Írisz Lippai-Nagy, explained that every Ukrainian entering Hungary is entitled to healthcare services. However, like many other countries, Hungary is currently experiencing immense inflation, which leads to a lot of uncertainty for companies, who may shut down because of a lack of resources. She reaffirmed she will do her best to support Ukraine and her Ukrainian colleagues.
Ronald Blaško, Executive Director of AmCham Slovakia, explained that Slovakia provides two streams of help to Ukraine. The first is assisting individuals who have crossed the Slovakian border (currently: 165,000), a task that private businesses and NGOs contribute significantly to. Slovak families provide shelter for Ukrainian families, many volunteer to assist state officials in administering aid, and many help by providing a "normal" life for those in need. If displaced Ukrainians wish to remain in Slovakia, they are provided with adequate housing and the government provides financial assistance, scholarships, health insurance, and a work permit. The second stream is for those who remain in Ukraine, which they supply with food, medicine, bandages, and other essential goods.
Mila Malairau, Executive Director of AmCham Moldova, noted that when Russia invaded Ukraine, a sense of panic spread throughout Moldova, where the Russian army has been stationed for nearly thirty years. As a result, Moldova has been placed in a state of emergency, necessitating the closure of its airspace and the opening of its borders to refugees. Volunteers from civil society, business, and many individuals provide shelter and transportation for Ukrainian refugees (currently: 80.000). AmCham Moldova is extremely busy combating fake news; Ms. Malairau stressed that communication is critical in this conflict, both for Moldovan society and investors and businesses.
